Crack Asparagus {The Best Ranch Roasted Asparagus}

Perfectly tender oven-roasted asparagus in 8 minutes! My Crack Asparagus recipe yields delicious charred asparagus tips with a fork-tender bite to the asparagus without it being mushy and over baked. Serve this classic asparagus recipe as a side dish for holiday entertaining and weeknight dinners. A must make summer side dish vegetable loaded with fresh flavors.

Roasting asparagus is a healthy and easy technique to prepare fresh asparagus. In fact, this recipe can be done from start to finish in just 8-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the vegetable stalks. More about that below.

If you’re looking for a new way to prepare asparagus or have never cooked with asparagus before, then you’ll want to try this quick and easy recipe for baking asparagus in the oven in a delicious ranch citrus sauce.

HOW TO ROAST ASPARAGUS IN THE OVEN

1. Break asparagus ends off.
2. Toss in bowl with ranch, lemon, salt, and seasoning mix.
3. Spread on baking sheet.
4. Roast in oven at 400°F for 8-15 minutes depending on stalk size.
5. Garnish with toasted almonds, bacon, and cheese.

BEST ROASTED ASPARAGUS INGREDIENTS

• ASPARAGUS: I use 2 bunches fresh asparagus, well rinsed.
• RANCH: A delicious seasoning powder with ingredients like dill, parsley, salt, pepper, chives, and onion.
• LEMON: The lemon acidity adds a nice tang to the mixture.
• OIL: Vegetable oil or olive oil can be used. Do not use extra virgin olive oil as it will burn.
• BACON: Crispy salted bacon adds a delicious smoked flavor.
• PARMESAN CHEESE: Sprinkle a little freshly grated parmesan cheese on top of the asparagus.
• ALMONDS: Toasted ranch dressed almonds add the perfect crunch and nutty flavor.
• SEASONING: Salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder is all that’s needed.

ASPARAGUS TIPS & QUESTIONS

How long will this last in the refrigerator? Eat within 3-4 days.

Does it matter if I can only find small or large asparagus? No. Use whatever is in the stores. I’ve included baking instructions for both sizes in the directions since they do require different baking times.

Is there a proper way to cut asparagus? Not necessarily, however, I usually break the stalks off the bottom where it naturally allows for it. To do this, simply grip the bottom of the stock with one hand and place the other hand just below the end of tips where it starts at the stalk. Gently bend it and allow it snap. Toss the bottom of the stalk out. Otherwise, to cut, simply remove 1-2 inches off the bottom stalk.

Can I freeze asparagus if I’m not going to use it right away? Absolutely. Whether you have an abundance of in-season spring asparagus from your garden or a good grocery store deal, or you’re plans simply changed for the week and now it needs to be stored then be sure to blanch it first. You’ll want to cut the ends off the bottom and it place it in boiling water for 2-5 minutes depending on thickness. Next, transfer it to a bowl filled with ice water for 2-5 minutes then drain and flash freeze the stalks on a cookie sheet before putting them in an air-tight freezer bag.

HOW TO SERVE ASPARAGUS

Asparagus is a delicious spring and summer vegetable that pairs well with steak, chicken, turkey, pork, and ham. I always serve asparagus almondine for Holidays usually with a ham or turkey. I like this Crock Pot Glazed Ham recipe or this Honey Baked Ham recipe.

Serve roasted asparagus with other side dishes that are popular at any time of the year like this Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad, Broccoli Salad, Creamy Cranberry Dessert Salad, and Classic Honey Cornbread.

Can I make this recipe with other vegetables? Yes, I like to make this using broccoli or brussels sprouts.

How do I get charred asparagus tips? Naturally, the oven will dry and toast the tips since it is the thinnest part of the vegetable it will cook the quickest.