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How Long to Cook Asparagus at 350 (Easy Recipe!)– the perfect cooking method for roast asparagus! Tender asparagus combined with olive oil, Parmigiano cheese, garlic, and pop of lemon creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both satisfying and delightful.
It’s a great addition to Roasted Chicken dinner or Baked Ham.
Easy Best Oven-Roasted Asparagus
The best way to cook asparagus without the fuss! Combining fresh ingredients and the roasting process creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile that makes oven-roasted asparagus truly amazing!
- Sweetness: Roasting enhances the asparagus’s natural sweetness, imparting a subtly sweet flavor to each bite.
- Savory: The seasoning mixture of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper adds savory depth to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the asparagus.
- Umami: Parmigiano cheese contributes a rich umami flavor, providing a satisfying savory taste that enhances the overall dish.
- Bright Citrus: Adding lemon juice and zest adds a bright, citrusy freshness, balancing the savory flavors with a tangy kick.
It’s that time of year for fresh asparagus, and it is on sale at your local grocery store! You’ll also love my steamed asparagus recipe. Asparagus is the perfect side dish for your Easter Menu.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
Celebrate asparagus season with this easy and healthy side dish. This easy roasted asparagus recipe requires only a few simple ingredients.
- Thin Asparagus Spears (thicker asparagus will also work): Select fresh asparagus spears and trim off the tough woody ends. These will be the star of the dish, providing a vibrant and earthy flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil to coat the asparagus and enhance its flavor during roasting. The oil also helps the asparagus achieve a delicious caramelization.
- Parmigiano Cheese (parmesan cheese): Parmigiano cheese adds a rich and savory element. Use it sparingly as a finishing touch for a delightful umami flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a savory and aromatic essence, complementing the asparagus’s natural flavor.
- Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the dish’s overall taste, bringing out the flavors of the asparagus and other ingredients.
- Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and a subtle spiciness, balancing the dish’s flavors.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice provides a bright and citrusy acidity that cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing element to the roasted asparagus.
- Lemon Zest: Lemon zest contributes a burst of citrus aroma and flavor, enhancing the freshness of the dish. It’s added as a finishing touch to brighten up the flavors.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Cook Asparagus in the Oven
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for how to roast asparagus in the oven. Your delicious asparagus is ready in a few simple steps (full recipe at the bottom of the post).
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the asparagus: Wash the asparagus and trim the tough ends. Place them on a baking sheet.
Make the Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, half of the lemon zest, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a homogeneous seasoning mixture.
Coat the Asparagus: Drizzle the seasoning mixture over the trimmed asparagus spears. Toss the asparagus to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the asparagus for about 15-20 minutes (if they are thicker spears 20-30 minutes), or until they are tender yet still crisp.
Check for Doneness: Pierce the asparagus with a fork to check for doneness. They should be easily pierced but not mushy.
Finish with Lemon Zest and Parmigiano Cheese. Once the asparagus is done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the asparagus to a serving platter. Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest (adjust to taste) over the roasted asparagus to add fresh citrus flavor, and the same with parmigiano to add a cheesy element.
Serve Immediately: Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving platter and serve immediately.
This best-baked asparagus will be one of your new favorite ways to enjoy this spring vegetable.
Substitutions
- Olive Oil: You can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils like vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. Each oil will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
- Parmigiano Cheese: If you prefer a dairy-free option or don’t have Parmigiano cheese, you can omit it altogether or replace it with nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
- Garlic: In case you’re not a fan of garlic or don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or use garlic powder as a milder alternative.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: If fresh lemons are unavailable, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. In a pinch, you can also use other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a different twist.
Variations
- Balsamic Glaze Asparagus: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the asparagus before roasting for a sweet and tangy flavor. After roasting, you can also add a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or thyme.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles: Wrap each spear with a slice of prosciutto before roasting for a savory and slightly salty flavor. Apply the same concept for bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Equipment
Best Roasting Pan– I love these!
How to Store Roasted Asparagus
To store leftover roasted asparagus, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. For optimal freshness, consume within 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and enjoy!
Top tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: For the best flavor and texture, select fresh, vibrant asparagus with tightly closed tips and firm stems.
- Trim Properly: Trim the tough ends of the asparagus before roasting to ensure even cooking and a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Even Coat of Seasoning: Thoroughly toss the asparagus in the seasoning mixture to ensure an even coat, enhancing flavor in every bite.
- Single Layer on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and even roasting.
FAQs
The best way to cook asparagus is to roast it. Toss trimmed asparagus in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast at 350°F (175°C) until tender but still crisp, approximately 15-20 minutes. The roasting process enhances flavor and preserves the asparagus’s natural texture.
Asparagus is done baking when it is tender yet still crisp. Pierce with a fork – it should yield easily but not be mushy. Aim for a vibrant green color with slightly caramelized edges for optimal flavor and texture. Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of your asparagus.
More Side Dishes
Looking for other recipes like this easy-roasted asparagus? Try these:
What to Serve with Roasted Asparagus
A delicious way to serve this asparagus is with these main dish ideas:
Easy Best Oven-Roasted Asparagus Recipe
The savory Parmigiano, garlic, and the brightness of lemon will make this roasted asparagus side dish flavorful and delightful.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano cheese
- 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the asparagus: Wash the asparagus and trim the tough ends. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Make the Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, half of the lemon zest, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a homogeneous seasoning mixture.
- Coat the Asparagus: Drizzle the seasoning mixture over the trimmed asparagus spears. Toss the asparagus to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the asparagus for about 15-20 minutes (if they are thicker spears 20-30 minutes), or until they are tender yet still crisp.
- Check for Doneness: Pierce the asparagus with a fork to check for doneness. They should be easily pierced but not mushy.
- Finish with Lemon Zest and Parmigiano Cheese. Once the asparagus is done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the asparagus to a serving platter. Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest (adjust to taste) over the roasted asparagus to add fresh citrus flavor, and the same with parmigiano to add a cheesy element.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving platter and serve immediately.
Notes
Top Tips
-
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: For the best flavor and texture, select fresh, vibrant asparagus with tightly closed tips and firm stems.
-
- Trim Properly: Trim the tough ends of the asparagus before roasting to ensure even cooking and a more enjoyable eating experience.
-
- Even Coat of Seasoning: Thoroughly toss the asparagus in the seasoning mixture to ensure an even coat, enhancing flavor in every bite.
-
- Single Layer on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and even roasting.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
Just like the name of this recipe, this dish was easy to make and so delicious! We have asparagus in our garden at this time of year and I enjoyed trying Elena’s recipe. We all loved it. Thank you for sharing.
This must be next level with home grown asparagus! You are welcome!
This recipe is very good and easy!
Thank you for your great recipe.
I think I will share your recipe to my daughters. 😊
Yes! I hope you share it. It is easy and tasty!
So good! Never making asparagus any other way again, my bf said these were the best veggies I’ve ever given him 😂
YAY! Happy you landed on this recipe.
This recipe was so good and beautiful, too! Why make plain asparagus when you can make it amazing with just a few simple ingredients? Thank you for always making me look good at family dinners!
You are most welcome! So easy and fresh!