Looking for a simple recipe for preparing your beautiful white asparagus? Look no further. This is hands down the best white asparagus recipe!
It’s simple, delicious, versatile, and really allows the natural flavors of the white asparagus to shine. Plus, this easy sheet pan asparagus dish only takes 20 minutes.
As an environmental scientist, I always try to stick to seasonal eating! It’s one of the easiest (and most delicious!) ways to support local farmers and improve your carbon footprint.
Green tip: Seasonal and local foods have less associated transportation costs and fuel emissions. Check when white asparagus and mushrooms are in season in your area with this Seasonal Food Guide.
White Asparagus Recipe Ingredients
Here’s everything you need:
- White asparagus. One bunch is usually anywhere from 12-16 ounces (16 ounces = 1 pound).
- Olive oil. To roast the oil in.
- Salt & pepper. To season.
White Asparagus Vs Green Asparagus
While white asparagus tastes very similar to green asparagus, it is slightly sweeter and milder. It has the same distinct texture as green and purple asparagus.
White asparagus is special because it is grown in the absence of daylight. It appears white because it lacks chlorophyll, which is what makes most asparagus green.
Optional Flavor Boosting Toppings and Add-ins
White asparagus is delicious on its own, and simply salted and peppered has tons of flavor. Still, if you want to kick it up a notch, there are plenty of toppings or add-ins aka “flavor boosters” you can add to do so. Here are some of my favorites:
- Garlic or garlic powder.
- Shallots or onion powder.
- Crushed red pepper flakes.
- Lemon juice.
- Parmesan cheese.
- Butter or flavored butter like this Pesto Butter.
White Asparagus Tips and Tricks
How to Store White Asparagus
Once you find your asparagus and bring it home, you can keep it fresh for up to 7 days if you store it correctly.
Place the asparagus in a glass jar, with tips facing up and fill the jar with about 2-3 inches of water so that the ends are fully submerged.
Then, place a reusable storage bag on top and store the whole jar, covered, in your refrigerator. This keep-fresh technique also works with green and purple asparagus!
How to Prep Asparagus
Before cooking your asparagus, clean it. You can do so by rinsing or soaking it in water. Since the tips of the asparagus has little nooks and crannies, soaking it is the best way to ensure you get any dirt or grit out.
All kinds of asparagus are notorious for having tough-to-chew “woody” ends. You’ll definitely want to break those ends off before roasting it.
Still, don’t throw out those asparagus ends! You can easily compost them or save them in the freezer along with other veggie scraps to make your own vegetable broth.
The easiest way to remove those tough ends is simply to snap them right off. Hold a handful of asparagus in two clean hands and break them into two pieces. The asparagus will naturally snap right at the point where the ends start to get tough.
Season It Next
Add the prepped asparagus to a small or medium baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer. For less clean up, you can line your baking tray with aluminum foil.
Then, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil on top, followed by the salt and pepper.
If you are adding any optional flavor boosters, add them now, too!
Toss The White Asparagus in Oil and Seasoning
Use clean hands to toss the asparagus in the oil, salt, and pepper to ensure they are all evenly coated.
If you’re not a fan of getting your hands dirty, you can instead use tongs or two large forks to toss it all together.
Then, spread the vegetables out once again in a single layer. Make sure the asparagus are not stacked on top of one another.
Roasting White Asparagus
Now all that’s left to do is roast it! Of all the different kinds of asparagus, white asparagus needs the most roasting time, followed by green asparagus, and then purple asparagus.
While green asparagus generally takes about 18-20 minutes to roast at 425°F, white asparagus will take about 20-22 minutes. Purple asparagus usually takes only 8-10 minutes.
Make sure your oven is preheated before adding your baking sheet, and always place it on the top rack.
Green tip: Get to know your oven! Get an idea of how long it takes your oven to preheat. By not pre-heating the oven too early, you can save energy.
How to Serve White Asparagus
White asparagus has a mild taste and a nice crisp texture, making it an extremely versatile side dish.
My favorite dishes to serve it with are this Blackened Cod and Roasted Honey Gold Potatoes.
It’s also a delicious base for sauces like this Shallot Cream Sauce and Mushroom Gravy.
You can serve white asparagus any way you would typically serve green asparagus.
How to Store White Asparagus
Once roasted, white asparagus will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to a year.
To reheat, bring your oven up to 350°F and roast the asparagus again as is (no need to add any extra oil or seasonings) for about 8-10 minutes until heated thoroughly. If they are frozen, they will likely need an additional 5-8 minutes.
Green tip: Did you know that of the billions of pounds of food wasted annually, it is estimated that 50% of it happens in our homes? Lessen your contribution to food waste by properly storing, reheating, and enjoying your leftovers!
Why You Should Make the BEST White Asparagus Recipe
- It’s simple. Designed to bring out the natural flavors of the white asparagus.
- It’s easy. Just prep, add the oil and seasoning, and roast! Plus, only one pan to clean up.
- It’s quick. Less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
If you’re loving this simple white asparagus recipe and want more healthy vegetable side dishes, check out these Sauteed Broccolini and Mushrooms and Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potatoes.
The BEST White Asparagus Recipe
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Ingredients
Roasted White Asparagus
- 1 pound white asparagus (1 bunch white asparagus = approx. 1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Flavor Boosters
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 large shallot, diced (or ¼ teaspoon onion powder)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved (or nutritional yeast)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Prepare your white asparagus by rinsing or soaking your asparagus in water to clean them and snapping off the "woody ends".
- To a small or medium baking sheet, add your prepared asparagus. Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat. If you're adding any optional flavor-boosters, add them now, too. Then, spread the vegetables out in a single layer.
- Roast the white asparagus for 20-22 minutes on the top rack until tips start to turn golden brown. Enjoy hot!
Pro Tips
- Asparagus tips can be composted or used to make your own vegetable broth.
- For more asparagus recipes, check out this list of Best Asparagus Recipes.
- For more delicious roasted vegetable sides, check out these Best Roasted Vegetable Recipes.
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