Baked Asparagus with shallots, lemon, and garlic is simple to make and approved for most diets. Oven roasted asparagus is an easy side dish that pairs with any protein and adds an elegant touch, just like my Oven Roasted Mushrooms.
Asparagus is easy to find any time of the year, but it's especially delicious and affordable during spring and summer. It's effortlessly elegant and compliments quick entrees like Baked Chicken Thighs, Seared Sea Bass, or Skillet Pork Chops. This lemony baked asparagus recipe is perfect when you want a quick, easy, healthy side dish, just like Sauteed Asparagus.
Why we love this recipe
- 5 minute prep with short baking time
- approved for most diets (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, whole 30, keto)
- can be served with dinner, lunch, breakfast, or brunch
- sensible meal prep item
- easy for any cooking skill level
- clean up is a snap
Key ingredients
- fresh asparagus - Use any size asparagus that you like or is in season. More details on cook times for different size asparagus is below.
- lemon - You'll bake a lemon with the asparagus to release all of the juice and create this amazing flavor.
- shallot -a mild onion flavor that goes so well with all sorts of vegetables. The shallots get nice and crispy during baking.
- garlic - chopped fresh garlic adds so much flavor to this dish.
- extra virgin olive oil - a must for roasting vegetables, olive oil has a high smoke point and is ideal for high heat baking.
- salt and pepper - simple, classic, and brings out the best flavor of asparagus.
How to roast asparagus
- Preheat oven to 400°F (see notes below about adjusting temperature for size).
- Place asparagus, lemon wedges, shallot, and garlic on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and mix well until everything is coated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake as directed in the recipe below until asparagus is tender and slightly crispy.
- Serve by squeezing roasted lemon wedges over warm asparagus.
- To store, allow asparagus to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
How long to bake asparagus
These are my test kitchen notes from each asparagus size at different temperatures. These times and temperatures yield asparagus with a tender inside and lightly crispy outside. I've done the testing for you, so find your asparagus size and follow these instructions for perfect baked asparagus.
Thin asparagus (1/4“ thick)
- 350°F for 10 min
- 400°F for 5 min
- 450°F for 3-5 min
Medium asparagus (1/3“ thick)
- 350°F for 15 min
- 400°F for 7-9 min
- 450°F for 5-7 min
Thick asparagus (1/2" thick)
- 350°F for 20 min
- 400°F for 15 min
- 450°F for 12-15 min
Extra virgin olive oil shouldn't be used at temperatures above 400°F because it can burn easily. Use an oil with a higher smoke point, like regular olive oil or avocado oil.
Recipe tips
- You can make this asparagus recipe with any size asparagus. Edit the cook time and temperature based on the thickness of yours.
- Meyer lemons are wonderful for this recipe. They are sweeter and less acidic than classic lemons.
- Bake asparagus with melted butter by brushing it over the surface before and after roasting it to give it a shiny, beautiful finish.
Oven roasted asparagus FAQ
There's no need to soak. Simply rinse asparagus under cold water and dry the surface completely to remove excess water before baking.
Asparagus is optimal when baked between 350°F and 450°F. The highest temperature in that range is often preferred because it browns the surface.
Roasting means baking at a high temperature. Both methods use dry heat, and higher temperatures will result in more surface browning.
This is a matter of personal preference. You might want asparagus al dente with a slight snap when it's bent. Or you might want it soft enough to cut with only a fork.
More Asparagus Recipes
What to serve with baked asparagus
- Greek Lemon Baked Chicken
- King Crab Legs with Garlic Butter
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Baked Chicken Legs
- Broiled Salmon
- Garlic Butter Grilled Salmon
Lemony Baked Asparagus with Garlic and Shallots
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Fresh Asparagus, tough ends removed
- 1 Lemon, quartered
- 1 Shallot, peeled and sliced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, chopped
- ¼ tsp Sea Salt
- Black Pepper, to taste
Equipment
- measuring spoons
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F *see recipe notes about temperature
- Place ASPARAGUS, LEMON WEDGES, SHALLOT, and GARLIC on baking sheet.
- Drizzle OLIVE OIL over vegetables and mix everything until coated.
- Sprinkle SALT and PEPPER over vegetables.
- Bake (uncovered) 8-12 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy (bake longer for crispy asparagus).
- To serve, squeeze roasted lemon wedges over warm asparagus.
- To store, allow asparagus to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes from TKG
- 350°F for 10 min
- 400°F for 5 min
- 450°F for 3-5 min
- 350°F for 15 min
- 400°F for 7-9 min
- 450°F for 5-7 min
- 350°F for 20 min
- 400°F for 15 min
- 450°F for 12-15 min
Nutrition
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
Jeff says
I already love roasted asparagus and the shallots and garlic add SO much texture and flavor. Lemon is the perfect final touch. Great recipe KG!
The Kitchen Girl says
I'm so glad you love roasted asparagus as much as I do 🙂
maryanne says
I love baked asparagus but I am never sure how long to bake it, so I really appreciate all of the detailed cooking instructions - super helpful!
The Kitchen Girl says
I'm glad to hear it, Maryanne! Thanks for the feedback 🙂
Ana F. says
Oh my! This baked asparagus turned out delicious! So easy to make and so much flavor! Next time I'm going to add them to a grilled pizza! Thanks for the recipe!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Ana! Glad you enjoyed them ... and I love the idea of adding the asparagus to grilled pizza YUMMM!
Diana Reis says
They look beautiful. I have local asparagus in my fridge and I'm going to try this out tonight. So looking forward to it.
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Diana! Hope you love it like we do 🙂
Michelle says
Such a fresh and vibrant way to prepare asparagus!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks! Baked asparagus is probably our favorite way to enjoy it 🙂
Wanda says
Love asparagus season and all the recipes!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yes! I'm building my asparagus recipe collection 🙂 Thanks!
Lexa says
Great flavour and prepared in a heartbeat! Amazing recipe which easily fits in a busy schedule like mine!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yessss! Glad to hear it...thanks!!! 🙂
Renee says
Love the specific baking times for different size Asparagus. This is so good!
The Kitchen Girl says
Aww thanks Renee! Glad you're enjoying it 🙂 There's definitely a difference between cooking thick and thin asparagus.
Anjali says
Yummm!! I love asparagus - and roasting it in the oven is my favorite way to prepare it. Adding lemon and garlic just put it over the top!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Anjali! Glad you love roasted asparagus like we do. Agreed on the lemon 🙂 Thanks!
Beth says
Asparagus is our favorite vegetable. I love the addition of the lemon and shallots!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks Beth! We do too! It makes roasted asparagus even more elegant 🙂
Beth says
This looks amazing and so delicious! Can’t wait to make these tonight! My family is going to love this recipe!
The Kitchen Girl says
Great! Glad you can enjoy this one, Beth ... thanks!