Oven Roasted Asparagus

This Oven Roasted Asparagus recipe only has a few ingredients, comes together easily, and roasts up perfectly while you are making your main dish.

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I love roasted asparagus so much. At least once a week in the summer I eat an entire bunch by myself. I am slowly but surely getting my kids to fall in love with it, too. If you aren’t a fan of asparagus, it’s possible that you just haven’t had it prepared correctly.

Roasted asparagus in the oven is easy to prepare and compliments so many dishes perfectly. Don’t miss my full list just above the recipe card for all the main dish recipes I love to serve this with.

overhead of ingredients for roasted asparagus, fresh asparagus, olive oil, lemon zest, kosher salt, and lemon juice - 4

Picking the Perfect Asparagus

Make sure when you buy asparagus that you look for bunches where most to all the stems look plump. If there are stems that look wrinkly or wilted in there, move along. You want a bunch of asparagus that looks fresh and perky at the top.

How to Store Asparagus

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How to Trim Asparagus

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How to Cook Asparagus in the Oven

Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus

Wash and trim the asparagus as described above.

Step 2: Season the Asparagus

On a parchment lined rimmed baking sheet, drizzle the asparagus with lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle with lemon zest and kosher salt. Then toss to combine. I love this method because it saves you washing a bowl.

Once the asparagus is well coated, spread it in a single layer as shown below.

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Step 3: Roast the Asparagus

Roast the asparagus in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Asparagus comes in a range of thickness, but is typically bundled with like sized asparagus. If your bunch of asparagus is thin, you will need just 15 minutes. If your asparagus is very thick, you may need even more than 20 minutes.

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The Best Baking Sheets

Getting Zest From a Lemon

This asparagus recipe uses both lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to create the perfect fresh flavor. Lemon zest comes from the peel of a lemon and is packed with intense citrus flavor, thanks to its natural oils.

To get zest from a lemon, start by rinsing the lemon thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Gently run the lemon across the zester, removing just the bright yellow outer layer of the peel. When you get to the white skin underneath, move to a different part of the lemon. I recommend zesting your lemon first and then juicing it.

Microplane Zester

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover baked asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It reheats well in the oven or air fryer.

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What to Serve with Baked Asparagus

This makes such a great side dish to so many dinner recipes. From steak to chicken to seafood, it is a go-to recipe.

Easy Chicken Marsala
Easy Top Round Roast Beef
One Pot Creamy Shrimp Pasta

If you make this or any of the other great recipes listed here, make sure to leave me a comment and let me know!

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Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus washed and trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon zest optional
2 teaspoons lemon juice optional
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt if using table salt, use 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Place the asparagus on the baking sheet. Add olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Toss lightly. Spread into an even layer. 1 bunch asparagus, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the asparagus is fork-tender. The thickness of the asparagus will determine the baking time with thinner asparagus on the 15 minute end and very thick asparagus spears needing at least 20 minutes.

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