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Looking for a side dish that is simple enough to make with just a few minutes prep and a few simple ingredients – without compromising flavor – look no further than our my oven roasted asparagus recipe!
I’ve been making this side dish since I would throw elaborate dinner parties for my friends in my 20’s – and still do at least once a week now! My whole family loves this crazy simple side.
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of contents
Oven Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is my trusty dinner party go-to side dish recipe – it disappears from plates faster than you can say, “seconds, please” – and I’ve made it so simple, anyone can make it a knockout!
Years of perfecting this technique have yielded the secret to consistently tender-crisp asparagus, bursting with flavor and caramelized to perfection! It’s the side dish everyone raves to me about – even from my fussy kids.
Ditch the bland, forget the soggy – this asparagus gets even picky eaters on board!
Check out my web story about this easy and delicious asparagus recipe!
Roasted Asparagus Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need:
- 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed off
- 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
- 2 tsp garlic salt or garlic powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sea salt, celtic (skip if using garlic salt)
- 1 tsp pepper, fresh cracked
How to make Roasted Asparagus in Oven
- Prep: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Trim asparagus to remove tough, woody ends – discard ends. On a baking sheet (line with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup), lay down asparagus.
- Season: Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and lemon juice, mix around with hands to coat evenly. Generously season with salt and pepper.
- Roast. Turn oven to 400 degrees. Place asparagus in oven and roast at 400 for 15 minutes – checking at around 10 minutes to see if tips have started to brown slightly and asparagus has softened a bit. Cook until asparagus is soft and has crunchy browned bits, about 15 minutes total (this is very dependent on your oven and the thickness of the asparagus stalks – watch it to be sure it doesn’t overcook.)
- Enjoy! When asparagus is done, serve immediately.
How to season Roasted Asparagus
- Basic Seasoning: Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning highlights the natural flavor of the asparagus.
- Lemon and Garlic: Lemon Zest and Juice: Add a fresh, citrusy kick by zesting a lemon over the asparagus before roasting, then squeeze some lemon juice over the top after they come out of the oven. Toss the asparagus with minced garlic before roasting for a savory, aromatic flavor. You can also sprinkle with garlic powder for a more subtle garlic taste.
- Parmesan and Herbs: Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the asparagus before roasting. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously crispy topping. Add dried or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano before roasting. Fresh parsley or basil can be added after roasting for a burst of flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle the asparagus with balsamic vinegar before roasting or reduce balsamic vinegar into a glaze and drizzle it over the roasted asparagus for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the asparagus for a bit of heat.
- Cayenne Pepper: For more intense spice, dust the asparagus lightly with cayenne pepper.
- Asian-Inspired: Toss the asparagus with a little soy sauce and sesame oil before roasting, and sprinkle with sesame seeds after roasting. Add minced ginger and garlic to the asparagus for a flavorful, aromatic twist.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Feta Cheese and Olives: After roasting, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced Kalamata olives over the asparagus for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss with chopped sun-dried tomatoes before roasting, adding a rich, savory flavor.
- Smoky Flavor: Sprinkle smoked paprika over the asparagus for a deep, smoky flavor. Alternatively, you can wrap the asparagus in thin slices of bacon or prosciutto before roasting for a rich, savory treat.
Roasted Asparagus Recipe FAQs
To cut the woody end from asparagus, which is tough to chew and has a blander flavor, fold one piece of asparagus in half, with light pressure. It should snap low to the base right above the woody base. Lay this piece next to the bunch of asparagus and use it as a guide for where to trim the rest.
Asparagus does best with high heat so it can cook quickly – nobody likes a mushy vegetable. Roast at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Our Favorite Recipes:
If you love this perfect, tender asparagus, check out some of our other all time favorite recipes like our perfect, tender, juicy pork tenderloin baked in a foil pouch a garlic butter sauce; perfect crispy crunchy air fryer fries.
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Oven Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed off
- 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
- 2 tsp garlic salt or garlic powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sea salt, celtic (skip if using garlic salt)
- 1 tsp pepper, fresh cracked
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Trim asparagus to remove tough, woody ends – discard ends.
- On a baking sheet (line with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup), lay down asparagus.
- Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and lemon juice, mix around with hands to coat evenly.
- Generously season with salt and pepper.
- Turn oven to 400 degrees.
- Place asparagus in oven and roast at 400 for 15 minutes – checking at around 10 minutes to see if tips have started to brown slightly and asparagus has softened a bit.
- Cook until asparagus is soft and has crunchy browned bits, about 15 minutes total (this is very dependent on your oven and the thickness of the asparagus stalks – watch it to be sure it doesn’t overcook.)
- When asparagus is done, serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m confused about the temp. Is it 400 or 425? You have both listed
I like to preheat the oven to 425 then once I put the asparagus in the oven I turn it down to 400. The reason is to maintain a hot temperature since the oven temperature will drop when you open it to put the asparagus in.
Do you have to use fresh parmasan cheese for this
I fresh grate it yes but you can use the fake stuff, it will have a different taste.
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for the great recipes. Everything looks delicious.
Please take care.
Thanks for the nutritional information and easy to make recipe. It’ll be very healthy and tasty.