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This Simple Roasted Asparagus Goes With Everything: Roasted asparagus is one of those side dishes I make on repeat because it’s simple, fast, and always turns out beautifully – any my whole family loves it! We’re going to use just a little olive oil and some seasoning and use a simple oven roasting method for over the top flavor that pairs perfectly with tons of main dishes.
This is the the kind of easy vegetable side that works with everything from weeknight chicken to holiday dinners – roasted asparagus is my trusty dinner party go-to side dish recipe. 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.
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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.
Table of contents
How to Roast Asparagus
This roasted asparagus is tender, lightly crisp, and full of flavor with olive oil, garlic, and fresh lemon. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s an easy, versatile side dish that pairs with almost any meal.
Check out my web story about this easy and delicious asparagus recipe!
Simple Roasted Asparagus Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Asparagus – The star of the dish, roasting until tender with lightly crisp tips and naturally sweet, earthy flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Helps the asparagus roast evenly, adds richness, and encourages light caramelization.
- Garlic salt or garlic powder – Adds savory depth and aromatic flavor that complements the fresh asparagus.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the dish with fresh acidity that balances the richness of the oil.
- Sea salt (if not using garlic salt) – Enhances the natural flavor of the asparagus and balances the lemon.
- Fresh cracked pepper – Adds gentle heat and depth to round out the flavors.
Roasted Asparagus in the Oven Step by Step
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
Prep
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.
Bake
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.)
Tips for Perfectly Roasted Asparagus
Use high heat. This helps caramelize without overcooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Space allows proper roasting instead of steaming.
Roast thicker spears longer. Adjust cook time for size.
Finish with lemon juice after roasting. This keeps the flavor bright.
Serve immediately. Roasted asparagus is best fresh from the oven.
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.
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What to Serve With Roasted Asparagus
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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.
Everything You Need to Know About Roasting Asparagus
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.
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.