Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Herb Butter
A savory, elegant side dish featuring tender asparagus spears wrapped in smoky bacon and finished with a bright lemon-herb butter sauce, perfect for low-carb keto meals. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Asparagus, Bacon, Unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Asparagus
- 6 slices (3 oz) Bacon
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1/2, zested and juiced Lemon
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 6 slices chopped bacon (3 oz), 12 oz trimmed asparagus (cut into 2-inch pieces), and 1/4 tsp salt; wrap each asparagus piece with a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick.
- Step 3: Arrange the wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is golden crisp and asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Step 4: While baking, melt 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in zest and juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; simmer for 1 minute until sauce is slightly thickened and aromatic.
- Step 5: Remove asparagus from oven, discard toothpicks, and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with warm lemon herb sauce and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Herb Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep asparagus from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Herb Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Herb Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Herb Butter low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
