Roasted asparagus with garlic butter is a simple recipe and the perfect side dish that can be served with seafood, beef, pork or poultry.
This recipe was originally posted in 2018, it's been updated for content and photos.

Asparagus is a low-maintenance vegetable to prepare and roasting it is one of the easiest and in my opinion the best way to enjoy it. It only takes minutes to roast with just a few fresh simple ingredients just like this grilled asparagus salad.
Why this Recipe Works
- It's delicious - made with crisp-tender asparagus, butter, garlic, and fresh herbs.
- It's healthy! Asparagus is low in calories and a good source of fiber, among its many health benefits.
- Roasted garlic butter asparagus is an easy recipe to make with just 5 ingredients.
Here is What You Will Need
This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this recipe, scroll down to see ingredient notes and substitutions as well as a printable recipe card with exact measurements and complete cooking instructions.
Ingredients
- Fresh asparagus
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh Garlic
- Chopped herbs such as fresh chives, fresh dill, or fresh parsley
- Lemon slices or wedges for garnish (optional)
Equipment
Here is How To Make Roasted Garlic Butter Asparagus
Prepare: preheat the oven to 400 degrees f, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a re-useable non-stick baking mat.
Clean and trim the asparagus, chop or crush the garlic, chop the herbs, and melt the butter.
Step 1.
Place the cleaned and trimmed asparagus onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 2.
Use a pastry brush to brush the olive oil on the asparagus spears and roast them for 15 minutes.
Step 3.
Remove the asparagus from the oven. Add the chopped herbs and garlic to the melted butter, pour it over the top of the asparagus and gently toss the asparagus around so that the butter is mixed in.
Step 4.
Place the asparagus back into the oven and roast the asparagus for 5 minutes longer.
Check out these tips on how to choose, clean and cook asparagus.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Asparagus. I like to use medium to thicker asparagus spears when I roast them. Thin asparagus spears might end up overcooking and the tips will burn.
If thin stalks are used, you may need to reduce the roasting time. Check it after 5 to 8 minutes to make sure it isn't burning.
Butter. Unsalted butter is what I use in this recipe and it can be substituted with an equal amount of olive oil.
Garlic. Substitute the garlic clove with ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Fresh Herbs, are optional and can be left out or replaced with a few sprinkles of dried herbs.
Storing and Using Leftovers
Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat it in the oven or microwave or enjoy it cold.
Uses for leftover garlic butter asparagus - heat it up and serve as a side dish, chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to a salad, scrambled eggs, or an omelet.
Freezing leftover asparagus is not recommended.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this healthy side dish garnished with lemon and a dash of lemon zest with pork tenderloin, pork chops, chicken, or seafood.
Recipe Variations
This roasted asparagus recipe is a delicious side dish just as it is, or you can add any of the following ingredients to change it up:
- Cheese - Sprinkle the asparagus with grated parmesan cheese, gruyere cheese, or feta cheese just before serving.
- Nuts - Top the asparagus with ¼ cup toasted chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios.
- Bread Crumbs - After adding the butter, top the asparagus with crispy panko bread crumbs.
- Olives - Add ¼ cup of chopped kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes just before serving.
- Lemon garlic butter - add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the butter for lemon garlic butter roasted asparagus.
Recipe tips and questions
Tips
- The asparagus will be crisp-tender after 15 to 20 minutes of roasting time. If you prefer softer asparagus, leave it in the oven for a few minutes longer.
- The butter is added at end of cooking time to prevent burning, if you don't use butter, you will only need to add the garlic and herbs at the end of the cooking cycle.
Questions
Yes, you can. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the asparagus to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Toss the asparagus in the skillet until the asparagus begins to soften, stir in the butter and garlic; cook for a few minutes longer and add the fresh chopped herbs.
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Click on serving size to scale this recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- A handful of fresh herbs
Instructions
- pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees
- clean and trim the asparagus by snapping off the rough ends
- place the asparagus on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- brush the asparagus spears with olive oil
- roast for 15
- while asparagus is roasting add the garlic and herbs to the butter.
- remove asparagus from the oven and add the garlic butter of butter to the asparagus and toss to coat.
- place the buttered asparagus back into the oven for 5 minutes longer.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
Check out more of our side Dish Recipes here!
Wendy says
I have miso left over so I think I will make some of this butter. I, too, am a huge asparagus fan.
anne says
It's good on mashed potatoes too!
culinarycam says
I have some asparagus right now...and more miso.
anne says
Lucky you!
Michelle Barsness says
Mmmn I love roasted asparagus. This miso garlic butter sounds delicious! I can see that tasting great with the asparagus.
anne says
Thank you!
The Movement Menu says
Roasted Asparagus looks so healthy and delicious...
anne says
Thanks
Ashima says
This will make a healthy side to any meal. I love simple roasted asparagus. Can't wait for spring to show up around here! I have not tried miso paste for anything other than miso soup yet and I am sure it adds to the flavours.
Thanks for sharing
anne says
I have not used it much either until I tried this!
Savita says
Asparagus, and miso garlic butter! Seriously what not to like?! More miso the better! Yumm!
anne says
Thanks!
Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
This is such a gorgeous pairing! I love fresh asparagus, and I tend to shy away from keeping miso paste at home since I don't know that I'll use a whole tub of it. But this is a great way to use it! Perfectly springy 🙂
anne says
Thanks! I agree! I wish they made smaller containers of Miso.
Leslie Haasch says
Miso garlic butter?! That sounds super good!
anne says
It is!
karyld2016 says
I love roasted asparagus! It's so good. I just bought some miso paste for another recipe...I'm definitely going to use some to make miso garlic butter!
Anne Murphy says
I just picked up some white miso! I have cooked with it, as well as used it for soup, for years, but was wondering how I would use it now that I"m cooking for the parents... This sounds like a wonderful introduction!
anne says
Enjoy!
babylovesberry says
Cant wait for farmers markets to open here, in North California! Asparagus is one of my favorite veggies, and miso paste is something i always have in my fridge
Debbye says
yum, i have some miso in the fridge right now, just need some asparagus!
Lois says
Maybe this recipe will get me to love asparagus, and I have a ton of miso in my fridge that needs to get used