Roasted Asparagus

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Nov. 18, 2023
Since asparagus is so abundant here in spring, I like to put it to use with this tasty roasted asparagus recipe. Not only does it come together quickly, but it calls for just a handful of items. We all look forward to this side dish each year. —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, OH

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Arrange asparagus in a single layer in 2 foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, until crisp-tender, 12-15 minutes, turning once. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Roasted Asparagus Tips

Should you wash asparagus before roasting?

Before you start roasting the asparagus, it's best to rinse it and pat it dry.

How do you trim asparagus before roasting?

The quickest way to trim asparagus before roasting is by gently bending the asparagus and feeling where it wants to break, and snapping off the stalk end. You can also use a knife to cut off the tough, white part (aim for about an inch from the end). Check out our guide on how to prepare asparagus for more tips.

How can you tell when asparagus is done roasting?

There are several ways to tell when asparagus is done roasting. First, the stalks should be crisp-tender when pierced with a fork. The stalks should be bright green, and the tips may be a little charred.

Why is my roasted asparagus mushy?

To avoid mushy roasted asparagus, make sure to test your asparagus towards the end of the cooking time. Asparagus sizes vary and will take less or more time to cook based on the thickness. If you overcook your asparagus, it’ll end up soft and mushy.

What other seasonings can I use for roasted asparagus?

For added flavor, try tossing the asparagus with fresh minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice before roasting. Browse more of our roasted asparagus recipes for more ideas. If you don't want to use the oven to make this vegetable side dish, check out our guide to how to cook asparagus—whether it's on the stovetop, in the air fryer or on the grill.

What can you serve with roasted asparagus?

Asparagus is a tried-and-true vegetable that can be served with everything from roasted chicken to grilled pork chops and glazed ham.
—Julie Schnittka, Taste of Home Senior Editor and Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.