With its tender stalks and crispy tips, Roasted Asparagus is one of the most delectable ways to enjoy this healthy, quick-cooking veggie. This post is the all-things-asparagus guide for perfect, crispy oven-baked asparagus, with numerous seasoning and topping ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Asparagus Recipe
- Quick-Cooking. Because asparagus is a softer vegetable and the spears are thin, it cooks more quickly than hard vegetables like Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Just 9 to 15 minutes at 425 degrees F are all you need.
- (Almost) Zero Prep. Just trim the ends, and you are ready to roast (no laborious peeling like when you’re making Roasted Butternut Squash).
- Versatile. Season it up with Parmesan and lemon, make it spicy, or keep it simple. Pair it with a protein like Baked Salmon, or serve it alongside any of these pasta recipes.
- Healthy. Asparagus is packed with fiber, vitamin K, and folate, and it contains key nutrients such as vitamin A and vitamin C.
- Feels a Little Fancy. Ohh-la-la asparagus! This veggie is a popular restaurant side but, like Roasted Mushrooms another dining-out favorite, it’s super simple to make at home.
- Kid-Friendly. Asparagus is quite mild, and the spears are fun to pick up with your fingers if you don’t mind letting the kids (and kids at heart) have a little fun. Asparagus was the first green veggie I loved as a kid.
- Roasted Broccoli took me until adulthood to embrace, savory fresh asparagus and I got along right away.
5 Star Review
“This will be my go to way to prepare and cook asparagus from here on out! It was SO savory, 10/10 taste and texture.”
— Gabriela —
How to Make the Best Roasted Asparagus
Baking perfect roast asparagus comes down to a few easy but essential tips.
Trim the Asparagus
Every stalk of asparagus has a tough, woody end that should be removed before roasting. Where this woody section stops and starts varies from stalk to stalk.
There are two methods for trimming asparagus to consider: bend and break or trimming with a knife.
- Bend and Break (least amount of waste). Hold the top of the stem in one hand and grip it near the base with the other. Briskly bend, and the asparagus will naturally snap in the right place. (Feel free to channel Legally Blonde and refer to this method as the “bend and snap.”)
- Cut the Bunch (fastest method). Hold the entire bunch of asparagus in one hand (this works very well if it’s still rubber-banded together) and trim off the ends about 1 1/2 inches or so from the bottom.
In my opinion, the best method of trimming asparagus is to bend and break.
It takes a little longer, but not much, and it ensures you only remove the tough portions of each stalk, resulting in less waste and guaranteed tenderness on every stalk.
Get Ready for Roasting
- Wash and Dry the Asparagus. Like Roasted Green Beans and other veggies, asparagus should be washed before it is roasted (no need to soak, unless your asparagus is super dirty). You can do this either before or after trimming it; just be sure to dry it completely.
- Oil and Season. Make sure the asparagus has a light coating so the tips do not burn. Keep the seasonings simple with salt and pepper, or try one of the variations below.
- Spread the Asparagus into a Single Layer. Make sure the spears aren’t touching so the air can circulate.
Roast at a High Temperature
- 425 degrees F is the ideal oven temperature for roasting asparagus. The high heat yields the crispy outside, caramelized inside texture we are looking for without burning the spears.
- If you are baking other dishes with the asparagus in the oven (or adding it to this Sheet Pan Chicken with Rainbow Vegetables) and need to tweak the oven temperature to accommodate, my second recommendation would be asparagus at 400 degrees F.
Recipe Variations
Here are some tasty ways to season roasted asparagus with everyday simple ingredients.
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan. Sprinkle the roasted asparagus with freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. You also can sprinkle on the cheese, then pop the asparagus back into the oven for a minute or two if you’d like the cheese more melty. Asiago cheese would also be delightful.
- Roasted Asparagus with Lemon. Add a thinly sliced lemon to the pan with the asparagus prior to roasting. Finish the dish with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Spicy Roasted Asparagus. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This variation is especially good combined with lemon and Parmesan.
- Balsamic Roasted Asparagus. Drizzle the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herb Roasted Aspargus. Add dried herbs like basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning (before roasting), or finish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley (after roasting).
- Nutty Roasted Asparagus. Top the asparagus with a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds, chopped toasted pecans, or toasted pine nuts.
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus. Sprinkle and toss the asparagus in garlic powder prior to roasting.
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate asparagus in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
- To Freeze. I don’t recommend freezing roasted asparagus, as it becomes mushy. If you must, freeze asparagus in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Storage Tips
To extend the life of your fresh (uncooked) asparagus spears, start by removing the woody stems. Then, place your trimmed spears in a glass or jar with an inch or two of water. Place a plastic bag over the top of the spears, then refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Replace the water as needed.
Leftover Ideas
Use leftovers for this delicious Scrambled Egg Toast with Roasted Asparagus for brunch. Take a note from this Avocado Pasta, and toss your roasted asparagus with a pasta dish (Lemon Pasta would be tasty with asparagus). Finish off a pizza with leftover asparagus (we love using ours for this Asparagus Pizza). A Niçoise Salad is delish with some leftover roasted asparagus tossed in too.
What to Serve with Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is an excellent side choice for really any protein. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Salmon. Garlic Salmon with Butter and Lemon and Balsamic Glazed Salmon are both flavorful and easy salmon recipes to serve with roasted asparagus.
- Steak. Air Fryer Steak with asparagus will make you swoon.
- Pork. Stuffed Pork Tenderloin or Baked Pork Tenderloin.
- Chicken. Rosemary Chicken Thighs or Lemon Butter Chicken would be even classier with roasted asparagus.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Rimmed Baking Sheet. Ideal for making roasted asparagus.
- Citrus Juicer. A must-have when cooking with lemons or limes.
- Parchment Paper. Makes cleanup a breeze. I love these convenient sheets.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Crowd the Pan. This is the cardinal rule for all roasted vegetables, whether we’re talking about Oven Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Tomatoes, or mixed Roasted Vegetables.
- Use Enough Oil. The spear needs a light coating on all sides. If there isn’t enough, the spears’ tender tips (the best part!) will burn. Roasting is one of the healthiest ways to cook asparagus, so don’t worry about using olive oil; it’s critical to making it taste delicious.
- Don’t Overcook. If you overcook asparagus, it will become mushy, and it can burn. It happens more quickly than you’d expect.
- Use a Fork to Test for Doneness. The best way to tell if asparagus is done and to keep it from becoming soggy is to pierce it with a fork. As soon as the fork can pierce the stalks easily, the asparagus is done.
- Get Creative. Have fun with the seasoning ideas above. When in doubt, make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.
Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
For the Asparagus:
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1 1/2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Toppings of your choice (optional—see below for suggestions)
Optional Toppings (pick one, two, or your mix of choice):
- Lemon zest and juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (just a pinch)
- Thyme* (1 teaspoon fresh or a slightly heaping 1/4 teaspoon of dried)
- Basil* (1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Drizzle balsamic reduction or aged balsamic vinegar
- Drizzle of melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. For easy cleanup, line a rimmed baking with parchment paper or aluminum foil. You may lightly coat it with non-stick spray too.
- Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus by holding the stem end in one hand and gripping it near the base with the other. Briskly bend and the asparagus will naturally snap in the right place (I find this task very satisfying). Discard the stem ends.
- Arrange the asparagus on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and any dried herbs you are using. Toss to coat, then spread into an even layer.
- Bake the asparagus for 9 to 11 minutes (for thin stalks) or 15 to 20 minutes (for thicker stalks), just until it easily pierces with a fork.
- Sprinkle the asparagus with your toppings of choice. My favorite is lemon zest and juice, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Enjoy hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- *INGREDIENT NOTE: If using dried herbs (see suggested amounts in “toppings”), add them with the salt prior to roasting; if using fresh herbs, sprinkle them on after the asparagus is finished roasting.
- DOUBLE BATCH: If doubling the recipe, divide the asparagus between two baking sheets to ensure it has room to roast in a single layer. Bake in the upper and lower thirds of the oven, switching the pans’ positions in the upper and lower racks halfway through.
- TO STORE: Refrigerate asparagus in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
- TO FREEZE: I don’t recommend freezing asparagus, as it becomes mushy. If you must, freeze asparagus in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
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Sign Me UpFrequently Asked Questions
If your oven-roasted asparagus turns out mushy, it is most likely overcooked. It is also possible that you crowded the pan with too much asparagus, so the air could not circulate properly.
Likely you left too much of the tough, woody end on the asparagus. I recommend bending each spear so that it breaks at the right place.
While you can purchase asparagus at the store year-round, it is at its peak in the spring, especially March and April. Asparagus you can buy in the winter tends to be more shriveled, lacks flavor, and (if you live in the U.S.) it has been shipped from long distances.
While some recipes recommend parboiling asparagus before roasting, I do not find that it makes a huge difference so long as the asparagus is fresh, you trim the asparagus properly, and cook according to the instructions I’ve provided.
More Asparagus Recipes
Thanks to their ease and nutrition, asparagus is the perfect side dish to prepare for any occasion. Here are some of my favorite asparagus recipes:
We made this using frozen asparagus, and it was still wonderful. Can’t wait to make it with fresh asparagus next week.
I used 12 ounces of frozen asparagus (half the amount in recipe) with the full recipe otherwise, and it was enough as a side for three people.
Michelle, YAY!!!! So happy you loved this. Thanks for sharing the tip about frozen asparagus too!
This receipe sounds absolutely delicious. I’m the only one, in my household, that eats asparagus. The others don’t know what they’re missing. I can make the recipe as written or reduce the amounts proportionately. If I decide to do as written, how long will it last? How easily reheated? Thanks much for your response!
Hi Mark! You can refrigerate leftover asparagus in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. I recommend reheating the dish on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F. I hope you enjoy it!
Delish!! My family and friends love this recipe.❤
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Michele! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
These are so easy and come out delicious every time – there are never any leftovers! These have become my go-to veggie side dish; the only annoying thing is washing them. ;)
So great to hear! Thank you so much for your kind review Deborah!
This will be my go to way to prepare and cook asparagus from here on out! It was SO savory, 10/10 taste and texture. We’re trying to work more veggies into our diet and I have no doubt that this delicious recipe will prevent anymore asparagus from going bad in our fridge, which in the past I would pass over for tastier options.
I seasoned with garlic powder, onion salt, crushed black pepper, and paprika, and my only regret was that I didn’t have more asparagus on hand for seconds.
I hadn’t dried my asparagus after washing, nor had I tried breaking each stalk individually. Taking the slightly extra time to do both of those things really made a difference. Thanks, Well Plated!
Hi Gabriela! So glad you enjoyed this! Thank you for this kind review!
Delicious.
Hi Paula! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
It was absolutely Delicious! Seasoning was delicious and it roasted perfectly with a nice crunch.
Hi! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi Erin!
The texture was perfect! Crunchy but not hard.
Can’t wait to try your roasted sweet potatoes and other roasted veggies!
My daughter Terese bought your cookbook and enjoys your recipes.
Thanks for sharing these delicious tips!
Hi Roselle! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I seasoned with Salt, Basil and Thyme and the flavours were anazing, the texture perfect, the cooking time and temp was perfect
Hi Darren! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
My kids loved this recipe and also the roasted broccoli referenced in this article. The said I need to make the veggies like this every time!!!
Hi Nicole! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I had medium thickness asparagus. Cooked 10 minutes while following the recipe.
PERFECT!!!
Hi Helene! Thanks for the feedback! So glad you enjoyed it!