![oven roasted asparagus on a white oval dish](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/bV0XZaLwvQaOdOOuYb_qAGIPI50=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Roasted_Asparagus_006_preview_scale_100_ppi_150_quality_100-476577f339e9444c85ecbdaa6dee4578.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Oven-roasted asparagus pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, and it's one of those go-to vegetable recipes that even the kids will enjoy. Want to know the best part? It takes little to no effort. Simply trim the ends of the asparagus, season, and pop the crispy green veggie in the oven. Just like that, you'll have a go-to side dish for your holiday celebration or weeknight supper.
Of course, one side dish is never enough, so be sure to check out some of our other favorite party side dishes.
Learn how to make oven-roasted asparagus, and always have a simple, delicious side ready to go when you need to fill up your plate.
Ingredients for Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Oven-roasted asparagus requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples:
- Asparagus: Get the freshest you can find. Medium-thick stalks are ideal so that they are still tender but don't quickly turn limp in the oven.
- Olive oil: This helps roast the asparagus by protecting it from drying out and browning nicely.
- Garlic: For added savory flavor.
- Slivered almonds: Optional, but they provide a nice crunch and contrast to the simple asparagus spears.
- Salt and pepper: To season to perfection.
![ingredients for roasted asparagus](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/bdrhXKfq0dD49j5CmArNj6wt15I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Roasted_Asparagus_001_preview_scale_100_ppi_150_quality_100-3d22aee4db80437c84b6bd8cf392ea11.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
How To Trim Asparagus
The ends of asparagus need to be trimmed before cooking because they can be tough and woody. The "snapping" method you've probably been taught isn't really the best way to go about it.
Instead, try lining up all of the spears on a cutting board and slicing off the ends all at once, cutting where the stalks turn from white into green.
![trimming the ends off asparagus](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/I0drQBkIzqs4VcC2-I_WES2IxkI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Roasted_Asparagus_002_preview_scale_100_ppi_150_quality_100-e7ece837e4f64c38943e4e61e50e7a43.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Trimming Tip
It's not always necessary to trim asparagus. For example, super fresh, pencil-thin stalks are fairly tender throughout, but generally it's a good step to do in order to avoid chewing on inedible ends.
How To Make Oven-Roasted Asparagus
It takes just minutes to get asparagus ready for the oven, which is why it's a great side dish for any number of occasions. The full recipe for oven-roasted asparagus is below, but here's a brief recap:
- Step 1: Wash and trim. Remove tough ends of the asparagus.
- Step 2: Season. Place the asparagus on a lightly greased baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, to evenly coat.
- Step 3: Roast. Roast the asparagus at 350°F for 10 minutes or to desired degree of tenderness. Transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle with almonds.
How To Store and Reheat Leftover Roasted Asparagus
Put leftover asparagus in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Leftover roasted asparagus won't be as crisp and snappy as freshly-roasted asparagus. If you don't mind that it's limp, just warm the leftovers in the microwave, and enjoy.
But if you need a little more life from the leftovers, use the asparagus in another dish:
- Chop it up and add to a quiche.
- Toss with a light shallot vinaigrette for a quick salad.
- Chop and add to a pasta sauce for a vegetable-forward update to a classic dinner.
When Is Asparagus Season?
Asparagus is best (and cheapest) when in season. It's a spring vegetable and ready to harvest from February through June with peak months in April and May.
Other Seasonings for Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Ginger, soy, and sesame seeds are delicious ingredients to season the roasted asparagus with, or you could try wrapping the asparagus in bacon before it hits the oven. A touch of lemon juice or a sprinkle of any tender herbs after the asparagus comes out of the oven is another delicious way to finish the dish instead of adding almonds.
Editorial contributions by Alana Al-Hatlani.
Ingredients
-
3 lb. fresh asparagus
-
2 Tbsp. olive oil
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
3/4 tsp. salt
-
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
-
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Directions
-
Trim asparagus, and season:
Snap off and discard tough ends of asparagus; place asparagus on a lightly greased baking sheet. Drizzle evenly with olive oil; sprinkle evenly with garlic, salt, and pepper.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
-
Roast asparagus:
Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or to desired degree of tenderness. Transfer asparagus to a serving dish; sprinkle with almonds.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Temp Tip
For a more roasted texture, roast the asparagus at 400°F for 8 minutes.