Asparagus is one of summer's staple vegetables and for good reason. It's extremely versatile and, most importantly, it's delicious when prepared properly. Get ready for veggie success with our favorite baked asparagus recipe plus some inventive variations and notes for food pairings.
Now that all the ingredients and kitchen items have been collected, it's time to tackle our classic baked asparagus recipe!
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. While it's reaching optimal temperature, rinse asparagus with fruit and veggie wash, and pat dry with paper towel. Break off the base of the spears using both hands, simply snapping where it breaks easily. Slice lemon in half and set one half aside; cut the remaining half into thin slices.
Place asparagus into baking dish, alternating tips and tails for even cooking. Squeeze half the lemon so juice pours over the vegetable. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Thinly slice the butter and lay over the seasoned asparagus.
Bake for about 12 minutes, then carefully remove from oven. Add the parmesan and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and crispy. That last addition will impart a pleasant textural effect and really ramp up the flavor of your favorite vegetable.
Now that you know the base recipe for heavenly baked spears, there are so many inventive variations you can make with this ingredient. We've broken down a few of your best options here.
There are lots of foods that would work well with asparagus, but we have focused on just a few of the best options.
Overall, we hope this baked asparagus recipe becomes one of your staple side dishes. Remember, you can switch it up with some alternate ingredients or methods or simply enjoy the classic take. Bon appétit!