Print

Garlic Butter Roasted Asparagus

garlic butter roasted asparagus - featured image

A quick and easy garlic butter roasted asparagus recipe that makes a perfect, flavorful side dish with crisp-tender texture and rich garlic butter flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Lemon zest from half a lemon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Trim the asparagus by bending each stalk near the base until it snaps to remove tough ends.
  3. Peel and finely mince 3 large garlic cloves.
  4. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and gently infuse for 2-3 minutes without browning.
  5. Place trimmed asparagus in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and pour the warm garlic butter over. Toss well to coat evenly.
  6. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add lemon zest if using.
  7. Arrange asparagus in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring spears are not crowded.
  8. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp, with caramelized edges.
  9. Optional: During the last 2 minutes, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the asparagus.
  10. Serve immediately, optionally finishing with flaky sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

If garlic butter cools and hardens, gently rewarm before tossing with asparagus. Roast thicker asparagus stalks a minute or two longer for even cooking. Toss asparagus halfway through roasting for even caramelization. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or extra olive oil and omit Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter roasted asparagus, roasted asparagus, garlic butter side dish, easy asparagus recipe, healthy side dish, quick asparagus recipe