It’s the perfect side dish; Roasted Asparagus spears in lightly seasoned lemon butter with parmesan cheese. It’s simple, but hard to beat! Roasted asparagus is our favorite way to prepare this vibrant and healthy vegetable.

I’ve tried several fancy asparagus recipes but I keep coming back to this one. Maybe it’s because I usually have all the ingredients in the pantry? Or maybe it’s just my favorite! 

Roasted asparagus on baking sheet with lemon and parmesan.

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We just love asparagus from Asparagus Casserole to Roasted Salmon and Asparagus and we even love it in our Baked Feta Pasta! It’s such a humble ingredient with so much potential. Thankfully it’s a vegetable my kids love so we get creative with it.

We’ve probably made this a hundred times and it is the most popular asparagus recipe on our site since 2012 because it’s easy and excellent

Ingredients for Baked Asparagus

This recipe makes a large batch, but can easily be cut in half to feed a smaller crowd.

  • Asparagus – you’ll need 2 bunches (about 2 lbs), with the ends trimmed
  • Lemon – we squeeze half of a lemon over the asparagus before baking and slice the other half into rings.
  • Unsalted butter – to dot the top of the asparagus spears and it adds rich flavor.
  • Olive oil – to drizzle the asparagus and keep it moist
  • Salt & Pepper – these simple seasonings are all you need.
  • Parmesan cheese – added at the end of cooking to creating a cheesy crust over the asparagus.
Ingredients for roasted asparagus spears with lemon and parmesan

How to Cook Asparagus in the Oven

  1. Prep – Rinse, pat dry, and trim asparagus.
  2. Arrange asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roll asparagus lightly to coat.
  3. Add lemon and butter – Squeeze half a lemon evenly over the asparagus. Arrange lemon slices over the top then place pats of butter over asparagus (don’t worry, most of the butter will end up on the pan and not on your waistline).
  4. Bake at 400˚F for 10 minutes or until asparagus is tender. Remove asparagus from the oven and set the oven to Broil.
  5. Sprinkle parmesan over the center of the asparagus and broil for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.
Asparagus on baking sheet, ready to be baked in the oven

Pro Tip: Break off the fibrous asparagus ends by holding the asparagus with one hand at the base and the other hand in the middle of the stem. Bend until it snaps wherever it snaps. This ensures you remove the tough fibrous base that is very difficult to chew.

how to snap and trim asparagus

Common Questions

How many pounds are in one bunch of asparagus?

There is usually about 1 lb of asparagus in a bunch and it can range from 3/4 lb to 1 1/2 lbs+ per bunch depending on the thickness of your asparagus. For this recipe, you’ll need 2 pounds of asparagus before trimming.

Which is better – thin or thick asparagus?

One is not better than the other and they vary in thickness depending on their variety. Both work great in this recipe but keep in mind, thick asparagus will take slightly longer to bake (10-12 minutes) and thin asparagus will take less time (8-10 minutes).

How to Select Asparagus?

Look for asparagus tips that are compact and closed. They should not be falling off or wet. The stalks should be bright green, firm, and smooth (not wilted or floppy).

Baked asparagus with slice of lemon and melted parmesan cheese

Lemon, butter, and parmesan is a winning combination for Roasted Asparagus. P.S. If you love this flavor profile, definitely try our Shrimp Scampi Pasta with asparagus.

Serve With

We love serving roasted asparagus with just about everything – it’s such a versatile profile. These are our favorite pairings for main courses and sides to complete the meal:

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon, Butter, and Parmesan

4.99 from 95 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Roasted Asparagus with lemon and parmesan
The perfect side dish – Roasted Asparagus with lemon, butter, and parmesan. An easy, baked asparagus recipe that pairs well with everything.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 people as a side dish
  • 2 lbs asparagus, or about 2 bunches
  • 1 lemon, (half juiced and half sliced into rings)
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pats
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt, or added to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground,, or added to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese, or to taste

Instructions

  • Rinse 2 bunches of asparagus and break off the ends by holding the base end and snapping it wherever it snaps.
  • Place asparagus in a large rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roll asparagus lightly to coat in oil and seasonings.
  • Squeeze 1/2 of a lemon evenly over the asparagus. Line the top third of the asparagus with lemon slices from the second half of your lemon. Thinly slice 4 tbsp of butter and line the center of the asparagus with butter.
  • Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes or until asparagus is tender. Remove asparagus from the oven and set oven to Broil.
  • Sprinkle the center of the asparagus with Parmesan cheese then return to the center of the oven and broil 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.

Nutrition Per Serving

109kcal Calories6g Carbs4g Protein9g Fat5g Saturated Fat1g Polyunsaturated Fat3g Monounsaturated Fat1g Trans Fat21mg Cholesterol390mg Sodium259mg Potassium3g Fiber2g Sugar1074IU Vitamin A14mg Vitamin C102mg Calcium3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon, Butter, and Parmesan
Amount per Serving
Calories
109
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
9
g
14
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Cholesterol
 
21
mg
7
%
Sodium
 
390
mg
17
%
Potassium
 
259
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
1074
IU
21
%
Vitamin C
 
14
mg
17
%
Calcium
 
102
mg
10
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked asparagus, roasted asparagus
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 109

We first published this baked asparagus recipe in 2012. I updated the recipe with new photos and a video tutorial. Here is one of the original photos:

Baked asparagus with lemon, butter and parmesan on a plate garnished with a lemon slice

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

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Comments

  • Debra Ross
    March 20, 2024

    My husband loved this recipe! Delicious. And very simple to make. This takes roasted asparagus to a new level.

    Reply

  • Rosette
    March 15, 2024

    To make this vegetarian, what margarine do you think comes closest in flavour to butter? And can I use Nutritional Yeast for the parm? Thanks for your lovely recipes and tips!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 15, 2024

      Hi Rosette! I haven’t tested anything like that and have no experience with vegan butter substitutes. You can also use oil like avocado or olive oil. Let us know if you experiment.

      Reply

  • Lynn
    February 15, 2024

    This was sooo good. This was my first time cooking asparagus and it was a success! Thank you for all your delicious recipes.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 15, 2024

      That’s wonderful, Lynn! You’re very welcome.

      Reply

  • Dotian McReynolds
    November 24, 2023

    Best way to cook Asparagus ever!!!!
    I am not an asparagus lover but I cooked asparagus for Thanksgiving and I used this recipe. Everyone at the table said that this was the best asparagus they had ever eaten. It looked beautiful and tasted even better! Thank you for this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 24, 2023

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Dotian!

      Reply

  • Jeanine
    November 13, 2023

    This was delicious!
    Everyone loved it.
    I find myself coming back here more & more to try your recipes.
    Amazing recipes!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 14, 2023

      Happy to hear that it was a huge hit, Jeanine!

      Reply

  • Sherry
    July 11, 2023

    Hi Natasha
    This came out great
    keep up the great work
    Thx❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 11, 2023

      You’re welcome, Sherry! I’m so happy you loved it!

      Reply

  • Debbie Ostrander
    April 17, 2023

    Best asparagus recipe ever! I’ve made it a bazillion times! Even grandkids love it. Thx

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 17, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Debbie! So glad it’s being enjoyed.

      Reply

  • Sue
    April 3, 2023

    Great recipe, as yours are always great.
    I love it when you have your pic on options to save. I can quickly see when it is yours.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 3, 2023

      Hi Sue! I’m so glad you are loving the recipes. Thank you.

      Reply

  • Linda
    March 31, 2023

    An easy recipe but roasted asparagus usually come out shrivelled, limp and unappealing. Best to save for use in risotto, frittatas or simply steamed.
    I enjoy following you.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 31, 2023

      Hi Linda! Thank you, I’m glad you are enjoying my channel.

      Reply

  • Loretta
    March 8, 2023

    Made this last night and it was so easy and tasted amazing . Thank you for posting looking forward to more of your recipes .

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 8, 2023

      That’s great, Loretta! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  • Sidney Frank
    February 7, 2023

    Could you make this so it will remember so you don’t have to sign on ever time you want to save a recipe? Love your recipes & attitude!

    Reply

  • Robert
    February 7, 2023

    Nataha’s I Love you very much, because you just don’t give a video and and list of Ingredients, Nutrition Facts. you make cooking fun and funny. thank you very much. Have happy day

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 7, 2023

      Hi Robert! That is very kind. Thank you so much for the love and support.

      Reply

  • Martha
    January 16, 2023

    I am making this right now, second time! Absolutely delish! My daughter raved about how good it was and we love the parmesan cheese! Honestly, your recipes are amazing and I tell everyone!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 16, 2023

      That’s so much, Martha! That means a lot to me.

      Reply

  • dawn hay
    January 5, 2023

    I just love all you do! I love your bio also!
    I made this last night and it was a super hit …… as usual with your recipes! xoxoxoxox

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 5, 2023

      Hi Dawn! I’m glad you love my recipes. Thank you!

      Reply

  • Claudia Parker
    December 26, 2022

    Thanks for an easy, quick and delicious recipe! I have made this dish several times l!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 26, 2022

      Hi Claudia! You’re very welcome. I’m glad you loved it.

      Reply

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