Oven Roasted Parmesan Asparagus {VIDEO}
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Oven Roasted Asparagus is a simple and easy vegetable side dish with very little prep and cook time. Baked asparagus drizzled with olive oil and garlic roasted with parmesan cheese is a delicious vegetable side dish to accompany your favorite entree! It’s the best way to cook asparagus!
Baked asparagus are springtime’s star veggies, we love to serve the flavorful spears with Blackened Salmon, Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken, Fettuccine, Burgers, Pork Tenderloin, or even with an egg casserole for brunch!
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Oven Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
I didn’t try asparagus until I was in my 30s—turns out my mom hated it and never made it when I was growing up. Once I finally gave it a try, I was hooked! Now I make it several times a week when it’s in season, and this easy recipe for how to cook asparagus in the oven is one of my go-tos.
This oven-roasted parmesan asparagus is quick, flavorful, and makes the perfect veggie side for just about any meal—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ. Even picky eaters won’t be scrunching their noses at this one!
Why We Love to Cook Asparagus in the Oven
- Roasting brings out a rich, slightly sweet flavor with crispy tips
- It’s a hands-off method—just season and let the oven do the work
- Easy cleanup when you line the pan with foil or parchment
- Pairs well with just about any protein or main dish
- Parmesan adds a savory, cheesy boost that makes it irresistible
Buying and Using Asparagus
Just with most fresh produce, you have to be conscious of the quality of asparagus you pick out prior to making your parmesan asparagus recipe.
It’s best to buy asparagus during its peak season, which usually comes during the spring months. You can find asparagus at your local grocery store all year long, the options just aren’t always as good in the off months.
Keep in mind: There is little taste difference between thin and thick asparagus spears, but the thinner vegetables can be a little tougher to chew. The thinner asparagus are more common in grocery stores, so if you want to find thicker asparagus, try visiting your local farmers market.
After selecting the perfect bunch of asparagus spears, immediately store them in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel. The longer you let asparagus sit, the tougher it gets. Asparagus loses moisture very quickly and develops a woody tissue if left at room temperature. For the best results, use within a few days of storing.
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Buying and Using Asparagus
When you’re learning how to cook asparagus in the oven, it all starts with picking a fresh bunch.
Asparagus is at its best in spring, but you can usually find it year-round at most grocery stores. Look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips—avoid any that are limp or wrinkled.
Don’t stress too much over thick vs. thin spears. Both taste great! Thin asparagus can be slightly more fibrous, while thicker stalks are a bit more tender and juicy (perfect for roasting!). If you’re after thick spears, check out your local farmers market.
How To Store:
Wrap asparagus in a damp paper towel and keep it in the fridge. You can also stand the stalks upright in a glass with about an inch of water, loosely covered with a plastic bag. Either way, use within a few days for the best flavor and texture.
How To Cook Asparagus in the Oven
Roasting asparagus is quick and easy—just a few simple steps!
When you are making this recipe, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Prep the asparagus: Rinse and trim the tough ends.
- Season: Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Roast: Bake until the spears are tender and the tips are slightly crispy.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle with cheese and return to the oven just long enough for it to melt.
That’s it—crispy, cheesy roasted asparagus ready to serve!
How To Know When Asparagus Is Done
Wondering how to know when your oven-roasted asparagus is just right? Keep an eye out for these signs:
- Vibrant green color: The spears should turn a brighter green as they cook.
- Tender but not mushy: You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork, but they should still hold their shape.
- Crispy tips: The tops get slightly browned and crisp—that’s the good stuff!
- Light caramelization: A few golden spots on the stalks mean flavor-packed goodness.
Thicker asparagus may need a few extra minutes, while thinner spears cook more quickly, so check early to avoid overcooking. If they’re floppy or dull green, they’ve likely gone too far.
Tips For Storing Oven Roasted Asparagus
Leftover roasted asparagus? No problem!
Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. You can enjoy asparagus cold as a quick snack, reheat in the microwave or oven, or chop up and toss into salads, omelets, or pasta for an easy lunch upgrade.
Can I freeze oven-roasted asparagus?
Freezing isn’t recommended—cooked asparagus tends to get mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven or within a few days from the fridge.
Don’t Miss Out On More Easy Side Dish Recipes!
Looking for more simple sides to round out your meals? These veggie dishes are packed with flavor and easy to throw together:
- Simple Italian Salad – Quick, fresh, and perfect with any pasta or pizza night.
- Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad – A crunchy, colorful summer side for grilled chicken, burgers, or steak.
- Grilled Carrots with Chipotle Lime Dip – Smoky and zesty—great with grilled salmon or BBQ pork.
- Cheesy Baked Tomatoes – Juicy tomatoes with melty cheese, ideal alongside baked chicken or steak sliders.
- Roasted Cauliflower with Feta and Garlic Crumbs – Crispy cauliflower loaded with bold, savory flavor pairs well with roast beef or lamb.
Whether you’re firing up the grill or planning a cozy dinner, these sides are easy wins!
Tools Used To Make Oven Roasted Asparagus
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Oven Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
Oven Roasted Asparagus is a simple and easy vegetable side dish with very little prep and cook time. Drizzled with olive oil and garlic roasted with parmesan cheese for a delicious vegetable side dish to accompany your favorite entree!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 400° F
- Wash asparagus and cut off woody ends (about 1-2 inches)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt, koshe salt, and pepper. Use your hands to toss until evenly coated in oil and seasoning. Rearrange in a single layer on the pan.
- Roast in the oven for approximately 7-12 minutes - thinner asparagus may need less time.
- Remove pan from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and return to oven for one to two mins until the cheese melts.
Notes
The thinner ones like above I only roast for about 7-8 mins. but when I get the big fat ones I roast them for the 10-12 minuets.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 112Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 307mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used.
Originally posted April 2010. UPDATED APRIL 2020 and 2025. We spiffed up this post with more info and better pictures! No changes to the original recipe
Hi there, I'm Cheryl!
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