Overcooking will make it stringy, so you definitely want to avoid that. As for the leftovers, try them cold, antipasti-style! They are delicious. Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables, especially when in season. I enjoy steamed asparagus and microwave asparagus. But oven-baking is the best method of preparing it. Roasting vegetables enhances their flavor and texture, and asparagus is a good example. When done just right, roasted asparagus is tender-crisp and flavorful.
Ingredients
Variations
Sometimes, I use melted butter instead of olive oil. It’s delicious! Add more spices. I like to add a pinch of dried thyme. Grated Pecorino Romano is a good substitute for parmesan. Sometimes, I sprinkle the finished dish with red pepper flakes, as shown in the photos on this page. They add a hint of spice and some color. Sprinkle the finished dish with bacon bits.
Instructions
Expert Tips
Storing Leftovers
More Asparagus Recipes
Recipe Card
Fresh asparagus: Try to find medium-thick stalks. Not ultra-thin and not super-thick. Olive oil: I use extra-virgin olive oil. I love its flavor! To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. I use garlic powder in this recipe because the fine granules coat the spears uniformly. If you prefer fresh minced garlic, that’s fine. Parmesan: Finely grated parmesan works best.
Arrange the asparagus spears on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The parchment is used to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. After trimming the asparagus ends, you should be able to fit two rows of them on the baking sheet: Very thin spears will need no more than 10 minutes in the oven. If using thick ones, check them after the first 15 minutes and see if their thickest parts are fork-tender. If not, keep roasting them for 2-3 more minutes.
Dry Them Thoroughly
Wet asparagus spears will steam instead of roasting. After rinsing them, place them on paper towels and dry them thoroughly.
Spicy baked chicken thighs Baked shrimp Keto meatballs Garlic parmesan wings Cheeseburger casserole Baked chicken drumsticks Baked turkey wings
In the photo below, you can see that I’m baking the asparagus and chicken drumsticks simultaneously. The drumsticks need 40 minutes in the oven and the asparagus 15, so I bake the chicken for 25 minutes and then place the asparagus in the oven. How do you enjoy them? I have a tip for you. Roasted asparagus, served cold, is delicious! Think antipasti - yes, that’s the idea. I often have it for lunch with poached eggs. Sometimes, I wrap the leftover asparagus in prosciutto slices for an improvised version of prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. If you’d like to reheat the leftovers, you can do so in the microwave at 50% power.
