ROASTED ASPARAGUS
Roasted asparagus is so easy and delicious, but best of all the caramelized flavors will turn picky eaters into vegetable lovers! I promise this recipe will change your vegetable game!
Why you will love roasted asparagus
Roasting vegetables in the oven enhances the flavors by bringing out a sweet caramelized flavor while keeping a little crispiness on the outside. No more mushy asparagus! Once you make oven roasted asparagus you will never cook it another way (unless you make it on the grill - which that post is coming soon).
Simply prepare your asparagus, and while it is roasting in the oven you have plenty of time to make the rest of dinner (or sit and sip on a glass of wine).
This is how easy it is to make roasted asparagus
If you have a sheet pan, a knife, and a few basic ingredients you are good to go!
Chop the tough ends off of your bunch of asparagus, rinse, pat dry with a towel, and place on a baking sheet. I like to use parchment paper for an easier cleanup but silicone pan liners are another great option. (Roasting vegetables straight on the cooking sheet is never a bad solution).
Drizzle the asparagus with extra virgin olive oil, give it a rub to make sure the spears are lightly coated, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Pop the pan in the oven for 10 minutes to roast at 400, toss with tongs, then roast another 8-10 minutes. It’s really that easy!
Variations for this recipe
Try changing the flavor with a flavored olive oil like lemon or garlic. I am a big fan of Fustinis flavored olive oils and flavored balsamic vinegars in Ann Armor MI. I recently discovered The Olive Scene in Vermillion OH which is the same vendor. Both stores encourage sampling the oils and vinegars and offer amazing recipe suggestions! Fustinis has other Michigan locations and The Olive Scene has other Ohio locations.
To really dress this dish up, top it with a generous sprinkling of freshly shaved parmesan or feta cheese and a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Add any herbs or spices that you like in addition to salt and pepper - rosemary is a big favorite of mine!
I use this exact same roasting technique with baby carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, butternut squash, and green beans.
Serving options for roasted asparagus
Roasted asparagus goes with anything! I served it with grilled pork tenderloin and it provoked a strong vibe of SPRING FEVER for this Ohio girl! If you have leftovers, add them to this cottage cheese egg casserole (because veggies are for breakfast too).
I made the same basic recipe substituting baby carrots with grilled turkey tenderloin last week and that meal was fantastic!
Looking for more vegetable side dish recipes?
Be sure to check out my glazed carrots, and Brussels sprouts. I have some great salad recipes too!
Stay healthy and stay happy!
Love, Jen xo
Roasted Asparagus
Equipment
- cutting board
- sharp knife
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt (I prefer Kosher salt for roasting vegetables. It adds a little crunch and a more intense salty flavor.)
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Cut ends off asparagus, rinse, and pat dry.
- Lay the asparagus out on a large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. The large baking sheet allows the asparagus to caramelize which improves the flavor and texture. Rub the spears to lightly coat with oil.
- Salt and pepper to your preference.
- Roast for 10 minutes, toss with tongs, then roast 8-10 minutes more.
- Serve and enjoy! (Be sure to read my post for yummy variations for this recipe.)