Spring is peak asparagus season, and oven roasting is the perfect way to maximize the flavor and texture and get it ready quick! Top with grated Parmesan and lemon for a taste explosion!
This roasted Parmesan asparagus makes a beautiful and delicious side dish for Mother's Day brunch or an everyday meal. Even the vegetable-phobic will be tempted by the grated Parmesan and lemon with a touch of garlic.
This dish pairs perfectly with Easy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.
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Ingredients
Fresh springtime asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables. Parmesan and lemon serve to enhance its natural flavor without overpowering.
- asparagus-see the tips below on how to choose
- salt-this recipe is written for kosher salt; if using table salt use ½ teaspoon
- pepper
- olive oil
- Parmesan cheese-for the best flavor and texture, grate it yourself from a wedge
- lemon juice-buy a whole lemon and squeeze the juice yourself
- garlic-the best flavor comes from buying a head of garlic and mincing the cloves yourself at prep time
See recipe card for quantities.
How to choose asparagus
When buying asparagus, make sure the stalks are bright green with a lighter base and that they are not withered or wrinkly. The tips should also be firm and not mushy. I like to choose medium-thickness stalks if possible for predictable cooking time.
How to trim asparagus
To trim asparagus before cooking, hold both ends in opposite hands and bend the stalk gently. It will naturally break at the end of the woody base, a few inches up from the bottom. You can repeat this process with each stalk, or line up the asparagus on a cutting board and trim at the breaking point of the first stalk.
Instructions
Wash and trim your asparagus and place in a single layer on a baking sheet
Mince the garlic and squeeze the juice from the lemon
Whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pour the olive oil mixture over asparagus on baking sheet and roll the asparagus to distribute evenly
How to cook asparagus in the oven
Oven roasting will bring out the best flavor and texture in your asparagus, and it's quick and easy! Roasting time will vary depending on the thickness of your asparagus; thin spears will be fully cooked in as little as 10 minutes, while thicker asparagus may take up to 20 minutes in a 400-degree oven. I prefer to cook asparagus until it is easily cut by a fork, but still somewhat crisp.
Equipment
The only equipment required for this dish is a baking sheet. You can use parchment or aluminum foil on the baking sheet for easy cleanup if desired.
What to serve with roasted asparagus
These are my favorite dishes to serve with oven-roasted asparagus:
Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Lemon
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus trimmed
- 1-½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced
- ¼ cup Parmesan grated
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Trim asparagus and place in a single layer on baking sheet.
- Whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Drizzle the olive oil mixture over asparagus on baking sheet. Roll asparagus gently to distribute evenly.
- Cook for 12 minutes for medium asparagus. Remove from oven and sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Return baking sheet to oven for another 3 minutes.
- Drizzle cooked asparagus with remaining lemon juice before serving.
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