If you’re looking for an easy, super tasty side dish that feels a little fancy without being a ton of work, you’re gonna love these Garlic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles.
They come out crispy, juicy, garlicky, and seriously addicting. Every time I make these for dinner, even my pickiest kid grabs seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these when I needed something a little “fancy” for a family holiday dinner but didn’t have time for anything crazy. Now they’re a go-to because:
- Kids AND adults devour them.
- They look impressive but are super easy.
- You can prep them ahead of time!
- They smell amazing while they bake.
- They go with almost anything.
What You’ll Need
- 1 bunch of asparagus (about 1 pound), ends trimmed
- 8 slices of thin-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
Pro Tips
- Use thin-cut bacon so it crisps up faster.
- Dry your asparagus after washing — wet asparagus makes soggy bundles!
- Don’t skip the olive oil and seasoning step — it really brings out the flavors.
- Wrap tightly so the bacon stays in place.
- Broil at the end if you want extra-crispy bacon.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowls for mixing
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Tongs
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before baking.
- Use a little honey instead of brown sugar for sweetness.
- Try lemon zest after baking for a fresh pop!
Make Ahead Tips
You can assemble the bundles a few hours ahead of time! Just wrap them up and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
How to Make Garlic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Step 2: Prep the asparagus
Wash and trim the woody ends off the asparagus.
Step 3: Season the asparagus
Toss asparagus in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Bundle and wrap
Take 4–5 spears and wrap them tightly with 1 slice of bacon.
Step 5: Arrange and sprinkle
Place bundles seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until bacon is crispy and asparagus is tender.
Step 7: Optional Broil
For extra crispy bacon, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end — keep an eye on it!
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the bacon crispy.
- Don’t microwave unless you don’t mind softer bacon!
How Many Servings and How Long it Takes
- Servings: 4–6 bundles (depending how big you make them)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 35 minutes
What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken or steak
- A big, buttery baked potato
- Light pasta dishes
- Summer BBQ plates
FAQ
Can I make these with frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus works best because frozen gets mushy.
What if my bacon isn’t crisp enough?
Pop the bundles under the broiler for a couple minutes — just watch it closely!
Can I use thick-cut bacon?
You can, but it’ll take longer to cook and might not crisp up as well. Thin-cut is better.
Do I need to par-cook the bacon?
Nope! It cooks perfectly with the asparagus if you use thin bacon.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give these Garlic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles a try — they’re honestly one of the easiest ways to make your dinner plate feel extra special without a ton of stress. Plus, they taste so good, no one will believe how simple they are to make!
If you make these, leave a comment below and let me know how it went — or if you have any questions, I’m happy to help!