Perfect Oven-Roasted Asparagus Recipe

Why Roasted Asparagus Is the Best Asparagus

Asparagus is always a treat if you ask me, but it’s especially delicious when you roast it in the oven. Here’s why:

• Quick and easy. This is truly the easiest way to make asparagus. Just add oil and salt and pop in the oven for 10 minutes. That’s it!
• Tender and crispy. The bottoms of the stalks get tender in the oven, while the bristle-y little tips get crispy and browned. 
• Customizable. You can roast your asparagus until it’s crispy, tender, or just enough to take away the raw bite. And the topping and seasoning options? ENDLESS! 

What You’ll Need

Just 3 ingredients! Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Asparagus – Thick or thin, green or purple—just make sure the tops are tightly closed, which is how you know they’re fresh!
• Olive oil – Or another oil you like to cook with.
• Salt – A flaky sea salt is nice with roasted asparagus.

How to Roast Asparagus in the Oven

Here’s how easy it is to make perfect roasted asparagus.

• Prepare. Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Wash the asparagus and trim or snap the woody bottoms off.
• Season. Set the asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil and salt. Spread the asparagus out so it’s in an even layer.
• Roast. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Asparagus

I’ve got a few tips for you to make sure this recipe is a hit!

• Buy a bunch with similarly sized stalks. You can use thin asparagus, thick asparagus, or asparagus that’s in between. But it’s best if all the asparagus in your bunch is the same size so it all finishes cooking at the same time.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed. Related to the above, if you do use very thin asparagus, it may not need as long in the oven. And very thick asparagus may need longer.
• Dry the asparagus well. This keeps it from steaming in the oven and helps it get crispier.

Topping and Seasoning Ideas

• Lemon. Add freshly grated lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, or both!
• Cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan and feta both go well with roasted asparagus.
• Fresh herbs. Mint, basil, and parsley all pair well with asparagus.
• Asian-inspired. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
• Sauces. Try spooning Homemade Basil Pesto or Roasted Garlic Aioli over the asparagus.

What to Serve With Asparagus

The simple seasonings in this roasted asparagus recipe make it a true multitasker, with an ability to pair with everything from Teriyaki Salmon to Lemon Rosemary Chicken and Grilled Flank Steak with Avocado Chimichurri. It’s really impossible to go wrong!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Transfer leftover roasted asparagus to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing leftovers; the texture won’t be as good.
• To reheat: You don’t have to reheat the asparagus—it’s good cold in this Thai Quinoa Salad!—but if you want to, warm it in the oven, a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, or in a 400ºF oven.

More Asparagus Recipes

• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Easy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
• Shaved Zucchini Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Light Creamy Goat Cheese Asparagus Quinoa Salad