This simple asparagus foil pack recipe is buttery, lemony, and delicious — the perfect no-mess side dish for BBQs, camping, and weeknight dinners.

Cooked asparagus in a foil packed topped with shredded parmesan cheese and lemon slices.

This easy asparagus foil pack recipe is effortlessly delicious — seasoned, wrapped, and baked or grilled to tender perfection.

These asparagus foil packets are the perfect side dish during the warmer months. We love to throw them on the grill during a backyard BBQ or cookout because they’re just so quick and easy.

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Asparagus spears topped with lemon slices and shredded mozzarella in a foil packet.

Add this easy side dish to your summertime menu planning! Foil packs are always on the list around here.

This asparagus is one of our favorite side dishes for fresh fish or grilled steak. It’s also great for camping because foil packs are so convenient to clean up!

For more simple and delicious foil packet side dishes, try this corn on the cob, a potato and onion foil packet, grilled vegetables in foil, and these loaded campfire potatoes.

Close up of cooked asparagus in a foil packed topped with shredded parmesan cheese and lemon slices.

How to Make a Tinfoil Packet

Cut two pieces of aluminum foil to about 12″. Layer them one on top of the other. Optional: spray the interior with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper.
Place recipe ingredients in the center. Bring up the longer edges of the foil and fold together. Grasp one end and roll it up, repeating with the other end.
Alternatively, foil pie plates may be used to cook foil packet meals. Simply place the recipe ingredients into the pie plate and cover with aluminum foil before cooking.
For best results, cook the foil packet on a grill over the open fire.
Use caution when handling the foil packet, as it can become hot while cooking.

Asparagus Foil Packet

Ingredients

You’ll need a few simple ingredients from the grocery store — the full list is in the recipe card below.

Bunch of fresh asparagus – Fresh asparagus spears are the star of this recipe, turning tender and flavorful when steamed inside the foil packet.
Unsalted butter – Butter melts into the asparagus while it cooks, adding rich flavor and helping the seasoning coat every spear.
Fresh parmesan cheese, grated – Grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully over the hot asparagus.
Lemon zest – Lemon zest brings a bright citrus aroma that balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
Fresh lemon juice – A squeeze of lemon juice adds fresh, tangy flavor and helps highlight the natural sweetness of the asparagus.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the asparagus and ties all the ingredients together.

Instructions

1. Prepare asparagus by washing and breaking off the ends.

Fresh asparagus on a sheet of foil topped with shredded parmesan and butter.

2. Place asparagus spears on a sheet of aluminum foil.

3. Top with butter, half the parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Foil packet of asparagus on a wooden table.

4. Wrap in foil to create a packet.

5. Cook on the grill grates of the BBQ or in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until fork tender.

6. Carefully open and top with lemon zest, lemon slices, and remaining parmesan.

Recipe Notes

Trim asparagus with thicker stalks using a sharp knife. It’s important to cut off the woody ends.
Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks. Thin stalks will need a shorter amount of time.
You can also cook them over the open flame of a fire pit on a grate over medium heat. Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to help prevent the aluminum from tearing.
The packets can be placed on a baking sheet if you are worried about them leaking in the oven.

To help prevent things from sticking to the foil, you can use non-stick spray on the inside of the square of foil.
Open packets carefully as they will be hot! It’s a good idea to use oven mitts or tongs.
Transfer any leftover asparagus to an airtight container to keep in the fridge for a day. It’s best served immediately though, as cooked asparagus wilts quickly!

Additions and Substitutions

Use olive oil, instead of butter
Add Italian seasoning
Lemon pepper
Garlic salt

This simple grilled asparagus recipe makes a great addition to your summer menu planning!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook asparagus in foil on the grill?
Asparagus foil packets typically cook in about 8–12 minutes on a medium-high grill, depending on the thickness of the spears. Thicker stalks may need a few extra minutes until they are fork-tender.

How do you know when asparagus is done cooking?
Asparagus is done when it turns bright green and can easily be pierced with a fork, but still has a slight crisp bite rather than being mushy.

Do you need to trim asparagus before cooking?
Yes! The bottom 1–2 inches of asparagus stalks are woody and tough, so they should be snapped or cut off before cooking.

Can you cook asparagus foil packets in the oven instead of the grill?
Absolutely. Asparagus foil packets can be baked in the oven at around 350°F for about 10–12 minutes until tender, making them an easy indoor option.

Why cook asparagus in foil packets?
Foil packets trap steam while cooking, which helps the asparagus cook evenly, prevents spears from falling through grill grates, and keeps the flavors sealed inside.

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