Easy Oven-Roasted Asparagus Recipe — Empress of Dirt (2024)

This easy recipe shows how to roast fresh asparagus in the oven. Bake the asparagus spears on their own until slightly crispy or add extras like Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

For more ideas, also see thesehealthy food recipes. Use theseasparagus growing tipsif you would like to grow it in your garden.

How to Roast Asparagus

Asparagus | Genus: Asparagus

Asparagus Growing Tips
Flowering perennial with edible shoots
• Hardiness zones: 3 to 8
• Full sun
• Soil: well-draining
• Propagation: grow from crowns (roots)
• Self-pollinating: attracts bees
• How to roast asparagus

1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Linebaking sheetwithsilicone baking matsor parchment paper.
3. Wash and dry asparagus spears and remove any woody ends.
4. Place spears in single layer on lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and dash of salt.
5. Roast for approximately 10-20 minutes (depends on thickness) until desired tenderness reached (when fork inserts easily).
6. Serve warm.
7. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days. Freezing not recommended.
8. To reheat, bring to room temperature, then warm gently in toaster oven or frying pan. Can also microwave.

Asparagus Roasting Tips

1How long does it take to roast asparagus?

10 to 25 minutes

Cooking time is going to vary depending on how fresh the asparagus is, how thick the stalks are, and your oven temperature.

It helps to choose spears that are similar in size so the asparagus cooks evenly.

• Pencil-size spears (about 1/4-inch thick) can bake in 10 minutes.
• Medium-size spears (half-inch thick) may take 15 minutes.
• Large spears (up to an inch thick) tend to be tougher and may take 20 minutes or more.

Check for readiness by inserting a fork. When it inserts easily, they’re done. But don’t overdo it.

2Should I peel asparagus before baking?

No.

Asparagus does not require peeling. Do remove the woody ends: you can snap or cut them off. Otherwise, if asparagus is tough (and forms strings when you bite it), it’s just a tough batch. Peeling would not have solved that as the entire stalk is a problem.

3What’s the best baking temperature for asparagus?

375°F to 425°F

Recipes recommend ranges from 375°F to 425°F (190°C to 220°C).

Some olive oils have a low smoke point of (approximately) 375°F. In this case, lower oven temperature to just below 375°F and extend baking time as needed.

Other olive oils won’t smoke until the temperature is much higher (near 425°F). If so, there’s no harm in using a higher temperature for a faster cooking time.

4Can I roast asparagus with other vegetables?

Yes, but it’s not always the best choice.

Many other vegetables do best with higher baking temperatures than asparagus. But you could still share the oven space if you’re willing to experiment and test as you go.

Also, as mentioned, some olive oils smoke at temperatures above 375°F, so watch your oven. Lower the temperature and cook longer if smoke is a problem.

Here’s some estimates:

Cauliflower and asparagus

• Cauliflower (cut into small chunks, coated in oil) takes 20 minutes at 450°F.
• Add prepared medium or large asparagus spears after 10 minutes.

Zucchini and asparagus

• Zucchini (cut into 4 long slices, coated in oil) takes 8-15 minutes at 450°F.
• Bake with prepared medium asparagus spears.

Brussels sprouts and asparagus

• Brussels sprouts (cut in half, coated in oil) take 20-30 minutes at 400°F.
• Add prepared asparagus for required time (large:20 minutes, medium: 15 minutes, small: 10 minutes).

Potatoes and asparagus

• Cut into 3/4-inch chunks, potatoes roast for 30 minutes at 425°F.
• Add prepared asparagus for required time (large:20 minutes, medium: 15 minutes, small: 10 minutes).

5What can I add to roast asparagus to make it more interesting?

Recipe Variations

Here’s some ways to add flavor and seasonings (on their own or combined).

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Bread crumbs
• Balsamic vinegar
• Butter
• Sliced nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice, wedges, or zest (after baking)
• Any favorite spices or seasonings

6How do you store fresh asparagus?

If you’re not using it right away, you can help maintain freshness by getting the freshly cut ends into water as soon as possible after picking (or buying).

Use a heavy-bottomed drinking glass, 2-cup measuring cup, or food jar and add an open plastic food bag over top to help keep moisture in.

Store in fridge up to 7 days.

7How do you store cooked or roasted asparagus?

Asparagus is best served immediately after cooking, but you can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing roasted asparagus is not recommended.

8How do you reheat cooked asparagus?

If possible, allow to return to room temperature, then warm gently in toaster oven or frying pan.

Can also heat in microwave.

I look forward to this every spring when the asparagus in my garden is ready to pick.

Enjoy!

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛