Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Asparagus is one of our favorite spring veggies! Roast it in the oven and serve it as a healthy side dish with lemon zest and garlic for incredible flavor.
How to Make the Best Oven Roasted Asparagus
Oven roasted asparagus is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare this beloved spring vegetable. With just a handful of ingredients—olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and a bit of salt and pepper—you can transform simple asparagus spears into an elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with nearly any main course.
The key to perfectly roasted asparagus is high heat and a single layer on the sheet pan. This allows the spears to caramelize slightly on the outside while staying tender-crisp inside. The garlic and lemon zest infuse every bite with bright, aromatic flavor, making this dish taste far more sophisticated than its simple preparation would suggest.
Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or hosting a holiday gathering, this roasted asparagus recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Don’t skip the final squeeze of fresh lemon juice—it brightens all the flavors and takes this humble vegetable from good to absolutely irresistible.
Oven Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is one of our favorite spring veggies! Roast it in the oven and serve it as a healthy side dish with lemon zest and garlic for incredible flavor.
Ingredients
Roasted Asparagus
Garnish (Optional)
Instructions
Roasted Asparagus
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Hold one spear of asparagus in your hand, and with your fingers snap off the rough end. Note where it naturally breaks. Use this as a guide to trim the remaining asparagus, laying it next to the others. Cut the remaining spears to match this length.
- Toss the trimmed asparagus in a bowl with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
- Lay spears out in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Roast until just tender (yet still vibrant green), about 15-25 minutes, depending on size and thickness, tossing halfway through.
- Once tender, squeeze with lemon juice and give a good toss. Taste for salt, adding more if needed.
- Place in a serving dish and garnish with any of the optional garnishes.
Notes
- Thinner asparagus spears will cook faster, around 15 minutes, while thicker spears may need up to 25 minutes.
- Don't overcrowd the pan—asparagus should be in a single layer to roast properly rather than steam.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
