20 minutes
A quick and easy side dish, this roasted asparagus is seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, with optional thyme and lemon juice for added flavor.
Asparagus, thick stalks with woody ends removed
0 lb
teaspoons
to taste
Black Pepper, freshly ground
to taste
Thyme, fresh
teaspoons
Lemon Juice, fresh
to taste
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet or a baking dish that can accommodate the asparagus in a single layer.
2. Season Asparagus
Arrange the asparagus on the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Roast
Transfer the baking dish to the oven. Roast the asparagus for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the stalks start to shrivel and take on a light golden color.
4. Add Finishing Touches
Remove the asparagus from the oven. If using, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for added zing. Toss to combine.
Wrap each asparagus spear with a strip of bacon or prosciutto before roasting. The fat from the bacon will render, adding a savory, meaty flavor to the dish.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan, Asiago, or aged Gouda over the asparagus during the last few minutes of roasting. For a tangy twist, crumble feta or goat cheese over the roasted asparagus before serving.
In the last few minutes of roasting, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the asparagus and return to the oven to caramelize slightly. For a sweeter variation, use a balsamic reduction after roasting, which will add a syrupy contrast to the savory asparagus.
Marinate the asparagus in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before roasting. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions after roasting.
Drizzle the asparagus with a little lemon or lime juice before roasting. After roasting, zest a lemon, lime, or orange over the warm asparagus for a fresh burst of citrus flavor.
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