Perfectly Baked Asparagus with Lemon & Garlic

My go-to baked asparagus recipe! Perfectly crisp-tender with bright lemon & garlic. Ready in minutes, this healthy side dish elevates any meal. Get the secret! ... Quick Meals
- Recipe Introduction: Say Goodbye to Soggy Asparagus!
- Perfectly Baked Asparagus with Lemon & Garlic Recipe Card
- The End Result: It’s a Game Changer
- Ingredients & Equipment: The Essentials
- Prep Like a Pro: Asparagus Ready!
- Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
- Recipe Notes: The Nitty-Gritty
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Introduction: Say Goodbye to Soggy Asparagus!
Fancy a quick and easy side dish? this baked asparagus recipe is a game-changer. honestly, it's so simple, even i can't mess it up.
We are talking about the perfect balance of flavor, a little zing of lemon, and that beautiful roasted veg taste.
From Ancient Rome to Your Table: A Bit About Asparagus
Asparagus has been around for ages. it was loved by the romans, and is still a proper springtime treat now.
This recipe is as easy as pie. it only takes 20 minutes, start to finish, and serves four hungry people.
Why You'll Love This Baked Asparagus Recipe
Asparagus is packed with vitamins and fibre, making it a super healthy asparagus side dish . it's perfect alongside a sunday roast or even a fancy fish supper.
What makes this simple asparagus recipe special? the crisp-tender texture. you know? no more mush!
Gathering Your Bits and Bobs: The Ingredients
Right, let's talk ingredients. we are keeping things dead simple here. you'll need a pound of asparagus, a glug of olive oil, a couple of garlic cloves, and a squeeze of lemon.
Plus a pinch of salt and pepper, naturally. if you've got a lemon lying around, that will do nicely. a bit of lemon garlic asparagus recipe is going to be good.
The Magic Happens: Getting It All Ready
Preheat your oven to 200° c ( 400° f). snap off the tough ends of the asparagus. honestly, this is the most important step, otherwise it will be a bit chewy! then, in a bowl, toss the spears with olive oil and minced garlic.
Make sure they're all coated nicely. finally, season it with salt and pepper. spread them out on a baking sheet.
Baking to Perfection: Time to Roast!
Bake for 12- 15 minutes. keep an eye on them. you want them crisp-tender . not burnt to a crisp! when they're done, give them a good drizzle of lemon juice.
Serve immediately. if you want something fancier, you can add parmesan. this is a classic baked asparagus parmesan .
Tips for Asparagus Supremacy
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. this is key to getting that lovely roast. also, don't overcook it! soggy asparagus is nobody's friend.
Fresh garlic is best, trust me, it makes all the difference. if you're feeling fancy, sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top for the last 5 minutes.
The easy baked asparagus recipe is perfect even if you want to add a twist of your own style.
Perfectly Baked Asparagus with Lemon & Garlic Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
The End Result: It’s a Game Changer
So there you have it. my baked asparagus recipe . it's simple, it's quick, and it's delicious. give it a go.
You'll be amazed. i promise, this vegetable side dishes recipes is something you'll find yourself cooking again. now, tell me if this grilled asparagus recipes sounds interesting to you!.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this baked asparagus recipe . no need to stress, it’s dead simple! think of it like making toast – you need bread, but the good bread makes all the difference.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Essentials
So, you want to nail this easy baked asparagus recipe ? well, listen up! we're keeping it real here. just the good stuff, and nothing too fancy! first, let’s have some main ingredients .
Main Ingredients
- Asparagus: 1 pound (that's about 450g for those across the pond).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . Extra virgin is best, yeah?
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Seriously, fresh is the only way to go.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon . Freshly squeezed, obviously.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon . Sea salt gives it a bit of extra zing.
- Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon . Freshly ground, if you've got it.
Quality counts : the fresher the asparagus, the better the crisp tender asparagus recipe will be. look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips.
If they're limp or yellowing, walk away. you deserve better!
Seasoning Notes
Right, let’s talk flavour! This ain't just about boring old Roasted Asparagus with Garlic . It's about bringing out the best in your veg.
- Essential Spice Combinations: Garlic, salt, and pepper are your starting point. Don’t skip them! They create a base layer of flavour that lets the asparagus shine.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Fresh lemon juice is a game-changer. It adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the olive oil. Consider a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
- Quick Substitution Options: Out of lemons? Lime will do in a pinch. Can't stand garlic? Just leave it out or maybe try a whisper of onion powder. We aim for the Lemon Garlic Asparagus Recipe , but hey, do your thing!
Honestly, I once made this for a BBQ and completely forgot the lemon. It was still good, but that lemon juice really elevates the whole thing.
Equipment Needed
Okay, tools of the trade! We’re not baking a soufflé here, so relax.
- Essential tools only: Baking sheet and a big bowl.
- Common household alternatives: If you don't have a baking sheet, a large oven-safe dish will work. No biggie!
That's all, folks! now you’re ready to get roasting! these are the basics needed to create some fantastic vegetable side dishes recipes .
Remember this healthy asparagus side dish is easy to put together. the grilled asparagus recipes or the simple asparagus recipe are a different ball game.
What you're looking for is the baked asparagus parmesan . enjoy!
Right, let's get this baked asparagus recipe sorted. It's dead easy, I promise. Think of it as a proper quick win in the kitchen.
Prep Like a Pro: Asparagus Ready!
First things first, mise en place! That just means get your stuff together. You’ll need your asparagus , garlic, lemon, oil, salt, pepper and the baking sheet, obviously.
To save some time, peel your garlic in advance. Honestly, nobody likes peeling garlic when they’re already hungry.
Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
- Preheat that Oven: Whack the oven up to 400° F ( 200° C) . Get it nice and toasty.
- Asparagus Trim Time: Snap off those tough ends. You know, the woody bit. It'll naturally break where it needs to.
- Oil and Garlic Party: In a bowl, give the asparagus a good toss with your olive oil and minced garlic. Get 'em coated.
- Seasoning Magic: Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy.
- Baking Sheet Line Up: Spread the spears on the baking sheet in a single layer. Don't overcrowd, they need some personal space for the magic to happen.
- Bake Time!: Bake for 12- 15 minutes , until they're crisp-tender . Fork should pierce easily but still offer resistance.
- Lemon Drizzle: Out of the oven, and immediately drizzle with lemon juice. Listen to that sizzle.
- Serve it Up!: Serve straight away with extra lemon wedges, if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for Champion Asparagus Recipes Baked
Don't Overcrowd: This is the golden rule. Overcrowding steams the vegetable side dishes recipes , not roasts them. Nobody wants soggy asparagus.
The Snap Test: When trimming, let the asparagus snap naturally. It's more precise than just chopping.
Looking for variations? Sprinkle Baked Asparagus Parmesan for the last five minutes of baking. Oh my gosh , so good.
Extra Tips
Try some Roasted Asparagus with Garlic with a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for sweetness.
If you are in the mood for something else but still want a healthy side dish, try these Grilled Asparagus Recipes .
Remember the end game! achieving crisp tender asparagus recipe is a game-changer . this healthy asparagus side dish is worth it.
And remember, it’s an easy baked asparagus recipe that even you can manage! it’s a very simple asparagus recipe . and this recipe to make lemon garlic asparagus recipe is to die for!
There you go, a proper baked asparagus recipe that's actually worth making. Forget those sad, limp spears you've had before. This is guaranteed to be a winner. Honestly!
Alright, let's spill the beans on some extra bits for this baked asparagus recipe . honestly, it's so simple, but a few tweaks can make it sing! we're talking about taking your vegetable side dishes recipes to the next level.
Think of it like adding a cheeky bit of gravy to your sunday roast – it just elevates everything.
Recipe Notes: The Nitty-Gritty
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got this gorgeous lemon garlic asparagus recipe . don't just chuck it on a plate! a little presentation goes a long way.
I like to arrange the spears artfully, maybe with a few extra lemon wedges scattered about. a drizzle of good quality balsamic glaze? oh my gosh, yes!
Complementary sides? this healthy asparagus side dish is brilliant with grilled salmon. or even just some roast chicken and creamy mashed potatoes.
As for drinks, a crisp, dry white wine is a winner. if you're not drinking booze why not try a nice sparkling water with a lemon slice.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Right, so you've got leftovers? no worries! pop your roasted asparagus with garlic in an airtight container and into the fridge it goes.
It'll be grand for about 3 days. freezing? honestly, i wouldn't bother. cooked asparagus tends to go a bit soggy when defrosted.
Reheating? a quick blast in the microwave or a gentle fry in a pan will do the trick. just be careful not to overcook it!
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a change? try the baked asparagus parmesan version! sprinkle some grated parmesan over the asparagus for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Dietary adaptations? for a vegan version, just make sure you're using plant-based olive oil and skip the parmesan. for a low-carb option, this simple asparagus recipe is already pretty spot-on! seasonal swaps? in the autumn you can mix it up with butternut squash!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Spear
Asparagus is packed with vitamins and minerals, you know? and it's low in calories. we're talking vitamin k, folate, and antioxidants.
It's a proper healthy asparagus side dish that's good for your heart and your immune system. each serving is roughly 80 calories, 2g protein, 7g fat, and 4g carbs.
So there you have it! all the little extras to make your easy baked asparagus recipe a real showstopper. don't be afraid to experiment and find what you like best.
Enjoy that crisp tender asparagus recipe and remember that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest and most naturally good, so get out there, buy some asparagus and have fun making this asparagus recipes baked side dish tonight!.
Now, go forth and create, darling!

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my baked asparagus from getting soggy?
The key to avoiding soggy baked asparagus is to not overcrowd the baking sheet! Give those spears some space. Overcrowding steams the asparagus instead of roasting it. Also, make sure you don't overcook it - you're aiming for crisp-tender, not mushy like that over-boiled broccoli your nan used to make!
What's the best temperature to bake asparagus?
This baked asparagus recipe works perfectly at 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the asparagus to cook quickly and evenly, giving it that slight char and tender bite that we're after. Think of it as finding the Goldilocks zone for asparagus roasting – not too hot, not too cold, just right!
How long does baked asparagus last in the fridge?
Leftover baked asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bear in mind it will lose some of its crispness. It's best enjoyed fresh but perfectly acceptable for a quick lunchbox addition. Don't go keeping it longer than that - no one wants dodgy asparagus!
Can I add Parmesan cheese to this baked asparagus recipe?
Absolutely! Adding Parmesan cheese to your baked asparagus is a great way to jazz it up. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the asparagus for the last 5 minutes of baking. This adds a lovely salty and savory flavor that complements the asparagus perfectly - almost as good as chips with gravy.
Is baked asparagus healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Yes, baked asparagus is a very healthy side dish! It's low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate. Plus, the simple baking method used in this baked asparagus recipe retains more nutrients than boiling or steaming - a right proper superfood!
My asparagus is different sizes, how do I bake them evenly?
If you've got a mixed bag of asparagus sizes, try and group the spears by thickness. The thinner ones will cook faster, so you might want to remove them a minute or two earlier. Alternatively, you could consider blanching the thicker spears for a minute or two before roasting everything together. That's the way to get the job done!