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Garlic Browned Butter Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese is the ultimate side dish, pairing beautifully with Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Wedges, or even a zesty Balsamic Chickpea Salad. If you’ve never been a huge fan of asparagus, this recipe might just change your mind!
The browned butter, infused with garlic and brightened with a touch of lemon juice, takes ordinary asparagus to extraordinary. This Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus transforms from a simple “eat your greens” moment into a dish you’ll be reaching for seconds of. Learning how to cook asparagus with butter in the oven has never been this rewarding, and this brown butter asparagus recipe is sure to impress.
What Makes This Recipe Work
This Browned Butter Asparagus recipe works because the nutty, golden-browned butter perfectly complements the natural sweetness of tender asparagus. The hint of garlic and a squeeze of lemon elevate the flavors, making it more than just a simple vegetable side. Learning how to cook asparagus with butter in the oven ensures even roasting and a beautiful caramelized finish every time.
It’s quick, fuss-free, and versatile. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken, steak, or pasta, this asparagus with brown butter dish brings rich flavor with minimal effort. This brown butter asparagus recipe turns ordinary greens into a dish you’ll actually crave and keep coming back to.
What Goes Into Browned Butter Asparagus
This Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful side in minutes. Here are the essentials that make this dish shine:
- Asparagus Spears: Fresh, firm spears with woody ends trimmed give the best texture and flavor.
Butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty depth that elevates the asparagus.
Garlic: Minced (not crushed) garlic adds a subtle, aromatic punch.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a savory, melty finish that complements the browned butter perfectly.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Browned Butter Asparagus
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure even roasting and vibrant, tender-crisp asparagus.
- Arrange the Asparagus: Place asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil and season.
- Roast the Asparagus: Roast the asparagus in the hot oven for about 10 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, stirring constantly until it froths and turns golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Lemon: Remove from heat, stir in minced garlic, return to heat for a minute until the butter is a dark amber, then mix in fresh lemon juice.
- Serve: Drizzle the browned butter over the roasted asparagus and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
For a twist on the usual sides, try pairing this Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus with Spicy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, where the tangy, savory flavors play beautifully against the nutty brown butter. Another surprising match is Maple Glazed Apple Fritter Donut Holes—the sweet, caramelized notes complement the roasted asparagus for a playful sweet-savory combo.
If you want something hearty but different, serve it alongside Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas, letting the buttery asparagus add brightness and a touch of elegance to the rich, succulent pork. These unexpected pairings turn a simple veggie side into a conversation-starting dish that will make your meal memorable.
Tips For Making Browned Butter Asparagus
- Make sure your asparagus is completely dry before roasting—any moisture will steam the spears instead of caramelizing them.
- Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning and let the nutty brown butter flavor shine.
- Keep an eye on the butter as it browns; it can go from golden to burnt quickly, so stir constantly.
- For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle toasted almonds or freshly grated Parmesan over the asparagus just before serving.
Recipe FAQ’s
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Yes! Sauté the asparagus in browned butter over medium heat until tender and slightly caramelized, about 6–8 minutes.
Yes, this brown butter asparagus recipe is low-carb and perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
Garlic Browned Butter Baked Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus spears woody ends trimmed
- 1 spray cooking oil
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced, not crushed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese freshly grated, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F | 220°C.
- Arrange asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet (or tray). Spray with cooking oil spray; season with salt; and roast in preheated HOT oven until vibrant in colour and tender-crisp, (about 10 minutes).
- While the asparagus is in the oven, heat a small saucepan / pot over medium heat. Add butter and cook, stirring constantly, until it melts, froths up and begins to turn golden in colour. Take off heat; add the garlic and stir quickly. Return to the heat for a further minute, while stirring, until the butter reaches a dark amber colour. Remove from heat; add lemon juice and stir to combine. Pour into a small serving jug.
- To serve, drizzle browned butter over asparagus and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I have eaten asparagus all my life, and in every way, I thought, but this was a surprise. Easy, quick, and delicious. I used thick shoots from the grocery store, and avocado oil. I browned the butter while the asparagus was baking in my countertop Cosori. I can’t wait to impress someone else with this recipe.
Mmmm, this looks delicious! The garlic addition is definitely one the holy grail ingredients. Pinned!