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Close up of perfectly seasoned roasted asparagus spears served on a clear glass plate.

Perfect Roasted Oven Baked Asparagus

A simple and delicious side dish, this recipe for roasted oven baked asparagus brings out the vegetable's natural sweetness and tender-crisp texture with minimal effort. It's an ideal healthy accompaniment to any meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 84
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh asparagus tough ends trimmed
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic minced (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed (optional, for serving)

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Parchment paper (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired. Wash the asparagus spears thoroughly and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Snap off or cut the woody, tough ends of the asparagus spears (they will naturally break where the tender part begins).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the trimmed asparagus spears with the extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced garlic (if using). Toss gently using your hands or tongs until the asparagus is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
  3. Spread the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the spears are not overlapping too much to allow for even roasting and browning. If your baking sheet is too small, use two sheets or roast in batches.
  4. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus spears. Thinner spears will cook faster (around 10-12 minutes), while thicker ones may take longer (12-15 minutes). The asparagus is done when it is vibrant green, tender-crisp, and slightly browned or caramelized in spots.
  5. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. If desired, drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving immediately. Enjoy your perfectly roasted oven baked asparagus as a delightful, healthy side dish!

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle the roasted asparagus with a pinch of red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese immediately after it comes out of the oven. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are delicious cold in salads or gently reheated.