Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan is an approachable, flavor-packed side that is suitable for any weeknight dinner, brunch, or holiday. It's bright and flavorful, only takes a few minutes of prep and cooks in the oven while you prepare your main dish.

Roasted asparagus is a light and bright vegetable dish that pairs well with almost any meal. It requires minimal prep and cleanup. Cook this low-maintenance vegetable on a sheet pan in the oven while you cook the rest of your meal. This recipe calls for lemon and parmigiano-regianno, but you can season it with any of your favorite spices.

Jump to:

• Are Oven-Roasted Vegetables Healthy?
• Ingredients for Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
• How to Make Oven Baked Asparagus
• Variations
• Equipment
• How to Store and Reheat Baked Asparagus
• Tips to Make Perfect Asparagus
• What to Serve with Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
• Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
• Tips to Make Perfect Asparagus
• Food safety

Are Oven-Roasted Vegetables Healthy?

Oven-roasted vegetables are healthy and simple to prepare. Substitute asparagus with your favorite vegetable that holds its shape when roasted. Vegetable substitutes include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli florets, and carrots.

Asparagus is an especially healthy vegetable. Here is why you need to make Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan:

• Asparagus is high in fiber and antioxidants, which are essential for digestion and preventing inflammation.
• Asparagus is a rich source of folate, which promotes cell growth, DNA formation, and anti-aging.
• Each serving contains vitamins A, C and K, which can help lower blood pressure.

In summary, this asparagus is healthy, delicious, and easy to make!

Ingredients for Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

Parmesan roasted asparagus calls for fresh asparagus and common pantry ingredients.

• Asparagus spears - Asparagus is a delicious green vegetable that is high in vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and fiber. Wash and trim the asparagus before seasoning and cooking.
• Olive oil - Olive oil adds fat to the dish and allows the asparagus to roast. Additionally, it allows the seasoning to cling to the asparagus.
• Garlic powder - Garlic powder adds an aromatic flavor to the asparagus without any prep!
• Kosher or sea salt - Kosher or sea salt adds a savory element to the dish.
• Freshly ground black pepper - Freshly ground black pepper adds spice and bite to the asparagus.
• Lemon - Lemon brightens the dish and adds a zesty flavor for this spring dish.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano - Parmigiano-Reggiano or parmesan cheese is optional, but encouraged! Grated Parmigiano or parmesan cheese adds delicious umami flavor to the vegetables.

How to Make Oven Baked Asparagus

Here are the easy steps to make perfect parmesan asparagus:

• Heat oven - Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Season asparagus - Add asparagus to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the spears with tongs to evenly coat them in olive oil and seasoning.

• Place on baking sheet - Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.

• Bake in oven - Place in the oven and bake until tender, about 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness.
• Garnish with lemon and cheese - Squeeze lemon juice on top of the spears and dust with Parmigiano-Reggiano or parmesan cheese before serving.

Variations

• Kewpie mayo - a great dipping sauce to make this recipe kid-friendly. In a small bowl, add Kewpie mayo, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Use a spoon or chopsticks to mix the sauce until homogeneous and smooth.
• Vegan - omit the Parmigiano Reggiano to make the dish vegan.
• Spicy - add cayenne pepper or chili pepper flakes while cooking to imbue heat into the dish.
• Parsley - garnish to add an earthy and peppery taste.

Equipment

This roasted asparagus recipe requires a few kitchen essentials, all of which can be used for many other common recipes. To make this asparagus dish, you will need a knife, a cutting board, cheese grater, mixing bowl, tongs, and baking sheet. To explore more kitchen items to make your kitchen complete, head to our Kitchen Essentials Shop.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Asparagus

Store leftover asparagus in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat leftovers in the oven, heat oven to 350 degrees F and place the asparagus on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes.

To heat the asparagus on the stovetop, add a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet on low-medium heat. Place the asparagus in a single layer in the skillet and cook until warm, or about 3-5 minutes.

Tips to Make Perfect Asparagus

• Use fresh asparagus - Fresh asparagus has snap and a strong green flavor.
• Trim the ends - Trim the woody ends of the asparagus, the 1-inch end of the asparagus. The woody end is white inside and the edible, tender edible asparagus is green. Read more about trimming asparagus ends here.
• Season - Generously season asparagus with olive oil, kosher or sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking the greens in the oven. This recipe is very versatile and flexible, so you can season with your favorite spices too!
• Cook in a single layer - Cook asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet so the vegetables cook evenly and do not get soggy.

What to Serve with Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

This baked asparagus recipe is an approachable, flavorful weeknight side. Serve them with your favorite dinner dishes:

• Roast Chicken Thighs and Vegetables
• Chicken Katsu (Japanese Chicken Cutlet)
• Lemony Spring Risotto with Peas and Asparagus
• Roasted Turkey Roulade

If you love this asparagus recipe, check out these similar sides:

• Sautéed Green Beans with Furikake
• Elotes Style Corn with Furikake
• Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers
• Pan Fried Potatoes with Herbs

Food safety

• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.