It’s asparagus season, and I can’t get enough of it. Roasting asparagus brings out its best. The tips get a little crispy in the oven, which I love, and the flavor is more concentrated than it would be if you steamed or sautéed it.
Roasted asparagus is the perfect springtime side dish, whether for brunch or dinner. As a bonus, it’s simple to throw together while your main dish cooks on the stove.
For these photos, I decked out my asparagus with lemon, mint, red pepper flakes and the lightest shaving of Parmesan.
You can keep your roasted asparagus as simple as you’d like. I included the basic recipe below, plus ideas for changing up the seasonings!
How to Store Asparagus
Pro tip: Place your asparagus in a heavy-bottomed jar or drinking glass when you get home, and add a couple inches of water. You can place a plastic bag over the top to retain maximum freshness.
Then, store the asparagus like this in your refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days longer this way!
How to Prep Asparagus
The ends of asparagus can be unpleasantly tough and woody. To remove those parts, sharply bend the asparagus near the base.
The asparagus will snap in the right place. This would be a fun dinnertime project for kids, I think.
How to Roast Asparagus
Roasting asparagus is super easy and quick! Simply toss your prepared asparagus with a light drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. I like to do this on a large, rimmed baking sheet (affiliate link) lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
Bake until the asparagus is easily pierced through by a fork, which will vary depending on the thickness of your asparagus. Pencil-thin asparagus, like the kind shown here, will be done in as little as 10 minutes. Thicker asparagus will need between 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll find all of these details in the recipe below.
How to Season Asparagus
Here are some ideas for flavors that will complement your roasted asparagus. Keep it simple and choose just one or two. Or go all-out like I did, and use all four of the first ideas.
- Lemon zest and/or lemon wedges
- Sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Small handful of fresh mint or parsley, finely chopped
- Light sprinkle of red pepper flakes
- Pat or two of butter
- Light drizzle of balsamic reduction or thick balsamic vinegar
- Toasted sliced almonds
Watch How to Roast Asparagus
Extra asparagus? Here are some recipes that will use it up:
- Baked Asparagus Frittata
- Spring Pea and Asparagus Risotto
- Ribboned Asparagus and Quinoa Salad
- Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta
Looking more simple roasted side dishes? Try these:
- Perfect Roasted Broccoli
- Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Perfect Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Cauliflower (Four Ways!)
Please let me know how your roasted asparagus turns out in the comments! I’m really looking forward to hearing how you serve it.
Perfect Roasted Asparagus
- Author:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Italian
Learn how to make perfectly roasted asparagus here! This roasted asparagus recipe is a fantastic springtime side dish that everyone will love. You can season it however you’d like. You’ll find my seasoning suggestions below. Recipe yields 2 large or 4 modest side servings.
Ingredients
Basic roasted asparagus
- 1 large bunch (about 1 pound) fresh asparagus
- 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
My seasonings (use one or all, like I did)
- Zest and juice of ½ medium lemon, preferably organic
- Lemon wedges, from the remaining ½ lemon
- Sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Small handful of fresh mint or parsley, finely chopped
- Light sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Other options
- Pat or two of butter
- Light drizzle of balsamic reduction or thick balsamic vinegar
- Toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus (if you sharply bend the asparagus near the base, it will snap in the right place). Discard the ends.
- Place the asparagus on the sheet and drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil, just enough to lightly coat the asparagus. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the asparagus, and toss until the spears are lightly coated in oil. Arrange the spears in a single layer on the pan.
- Bake just until the base of the asparagus is easily pierced through by a fork. Very thin asparagus, like the kind shown here, will take as little as 9 to 12 minutes, whereas thicker asparagus will need 15 to 20 minutes.
- Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving platter and season however you’d like. You could keep it simple with a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of Parmesan, or add a pat of butter or drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
- Roasted asparagus is best served when it’s fresh out of the oven, but it will keep at room temperature for up to 1 hour or up to 4 days in the refrigerator (gently reheat before serving).
Notes
Make it dairy free/vegan: Don’t add Parmesan or butter.
Make it nut free: Don’t add almonds.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Rose Weintraub
Hi Kate—roasted asparagus is awesome! Your cookbook is my favorite of all time. Roasted veggies are the BEST! So much flavor! Will you be coming out with a new cookbook? Thank you for all the great recipes!!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Rose!
Lynn Walker
Love this recipe! So easy to fix and a tasty way to serve aspragus. We grow our own and every May I have to find new recipes — this is a definite favorite!
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear, Lynn! Thank you for your review.
Sherry
Your site is a go to for me. Roasted asparagus, so simple and yet so decadent. Thanks for the tips on additional serving options.
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear, Sherry! I appreciate your review.
Chhris
I am going to try roasting my asparagus. Will let you know, how it turns out. Thank you
Kate
I hope it turned out well!
Judy Seidel
Hi Kate & Cookie, I tried the Perfect Roasted Asparagus recipe & it worked out perfectly. It was delicious. I used lemon wedges with the juice, & Parmesan cheese. Thank you for sharing this. Cookie, you’re so adorable!!!!
★★★★★
P Watson
Tried the roasted asparagus today and it was great. The one thing I didn’t use was the olive oil instead I used melted butter. And everyone enjoyed it, first time I used your recipe but I’m very pleased. I love asparagus and this is a keeper.
★★★★★
Kate
Glad you enjoyed it, P!