Roasted Asparagus Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting asparagus, allowing it to become tender and slightly caramelized.

Prepare: Rinse the asparagus under cold water to clean. Dry the spears with a kitchen towel. Trim off the tough bottom ends of the asparagus spears. This can be about 1-2 inches from the bottom, or you can find the natural breaking point by gently bending the spear until it snaps.

Season: Place the asparagus on a baking sheet or sheet pan. Drizzle or spray with olive oil then sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.

Arrange for Roasting: Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure there's a little space between the spears so they roast properly rather than steam.

Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for about 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp tender and lightly browned. Thinner spears will cook faster, so adjust the time accordingly.

Optional

Once done, you can optionally squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the asparagus for a fresh zing or top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish. Serve immediately.