15 Asparagus Recipes That Make Even Picky Eaters Ask for More

Asparagus has a bit of a reputation. Some people love it, and some people remember the soggy, gray spears from childhood and never look back. The good news? When you cook it the right way, asparagus is sweet, crisp and full of flavor. It is also low in calories and brings fiber, folate and vitamin K to your plate. These asparagus recipes cover everything from 10 minute sides to cozy soup and easy weekend breakfasts. Need more ideas for the side of your plate? Check out these potato side dishes too. Ready to give asparagus another chance..

Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, the Classic of All Asparagus Recipes

If you only learn one way to cook asparagus, make it this one. A hot oven gives the spears lightly charred tips and tender stems, and a quick shower of lemon zest and shaved parmesan makes them taste like something from a nice restaurant. It is ready in about 15 minutes and goes with chicken, fish, steak or pasta. This is the recipe that turns asparagus haters into fans. How do you usually cook your asparagus?

You will need: 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 lemon, 1/4 cup shaved parmesan, 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds (optional), flaky sea salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F. 2. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus. 3. Toss the spears with oil, salt and pepper on a sheet pan. 4. Roast 10 to 12 minutes until tender and lightly charred. 5. Top with lemon zest, a squeeze of juice, parmesan and almonds.

Garlic Butter Pan Asparagus in 10 Minutes

No oven? No problem. A hot skillet gives asparagus a golden sear on the outside while the inside stays juicy and crisp. A spoon of butter and some sliced garlic go in at the end, so the garlic turns sweet instead of bitter. Of all the quick asparagus recipes, this is the one to make when dinner is almost ready and you suddenly realize there is nothing green on the table. Do you snap or cut the ends of your asparagus?

You will need: 1 bunch asparagus, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter, 3 garlic cloves (thinly sliced), salt and pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, red pepper flakes (optional).

How to make it: 1. Trim the asparagus. 2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. 3. Add the spears in one layer and cook 4 to 5 minutes, turning a few times. 4. Add butter and garlic and cook 1 more minute. 5. Season and finish with lemon juice.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, the Party Favorite of Asparagus Recipes

Put a plate of these out at a party and watch them disappear. Three or four spears are wrapped together with a strip of bacon, brushed with a little brown sugar glaze and baked until the bacon is crispy. They look fancy, but they are really easy. They also make a great side for steak night. Quick poll: what is the best thing to wrap in bacon? A) Asparagus B) Dates C) Shrimp D) Everything.

You will need: 1 bunch thick asparagus, 6 to 8 slices bacon, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, black pepper, 1 garlic clove (minced).

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet. 2. Group the spears into bundles of 3 or 4. 3. Wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon. 4. Mix sugar, oil, mustard, garlic and pepper and brush it on. 5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crisp.

Puff Pastry Asparagus Bundles

Store bought puff pastry makes this one feel like magic. Strips of pastry are wrapped around a few spears with a smear of herbed cream cheese, then baked until puffed and golden. These are some of the most fun asparagus recipes for brunch, holiday appetizers or a fun side with soup. Kids love them because they look like little presents. Have you ever made anything with frozen puff pastry, or does it still scare you a little?

You will need: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed), 1 bunch thin asparagus, 1/4 cup cream cheese, 1 tbsp chopped chives, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1 egg (beaten), salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Cut the pastry into 8 long strips. 3. Spread each strip with a little cream cheese mixed with chives. 4. Wrap each strip around 3 spears and place on a lined tray. 5. Brush with egg, sprinkle with parmesan and bake 18 to 20 minutes.

Asparagus With Easy Blender Hollandaise

Asparagus and hollandaise is a classic pairing for a reason. The rich, lemony butter sauce goes perfectly with tender green spears. Most people think hollandaise is hard, but a blender makes it almost foolproof in about two minutes. Serve it for a special breakfast, Easter brunch or a dinner when you want to feel a little fancy. Have you ever made hollandaise from scratch, or is it a restaurant only treat for you?

You will need: 1 bunch asparagus, 3 egg yolks, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup butter (melted and hot), 1/4 tsp salt, a pinch of cayenne, toasted breadcrumbs for topping.

How to make it: 1. Steam the asparagus for 4 to 5 minutes until tender crisp. 2. Blend the yolks, lemon juice and salt for 5 seconds. 3. With the blender running, slowly pour in the hot butter. 4. Add the cayenne and blend once more. 5. Spoon over the asparagus and top with crumbs.

Cream of Asparagus Soup, the Coziest of These Asparagus Recipes

This silky green soup is a great way to use the thicker stems that some people throw away. Asparagus simmers with potato, onion and broth, then gets blended until smooth with a splash of cream. The potato makes it thick and velvety without needing much cream at all. Serve it hot on a chilly evening with warm bread. Tell us: do you like your soup smooth or chunky?

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds asparagus, 1 tbsp butter, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 medium potato (peeled and diced), 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, 1/3 cup cream, 1/2 lemon, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cook the onion in butter for 5 minutes. 2. Add the garlic, potato and chopped asparagus (save a few tips). 3. Pour in the broth and simmer 15 minutes. 4. Blend until smooth and stir in the cream and lemon. 5. Garnish with the cooked tips.

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

Risotto has a fussy reputation, but it really only asks for one thing: a little patience. Creamy arborio rice is stirred with warm broth until it turns silky, then finished with parmesan, lemon zest and tender pieces of asparagus. It is one of those asparagus recipes that feels like comfort food but still tastes light and fresh. Make it on a slow Sunday and enjoy the stirring. Would you rather stir risotto for 20 minutes or order it at a restaurant?

You will need: 1 cup arborio rice, 1 bunch asparagus (cut into pieces), 1 small onion, 2 tbsp butter, 4 to 5 cups warm broth, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 lemon (zest and juice), salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cook the onion in butter until soft. 2. Add the rice and toast 1 minute. 3. Add broth one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed, for about 18 minutes. 4. Add the asparagus for the last 5 minutes. 5. Stir in parmesan, lemon and pepper.

Asparagus Pesto Spaghetti

Here is a fun twist: blend cooked asparagus right into the pesto. It makes the sauce extra green, a little sweet and very creamy, with less oil than the classic version. Toss it with spaghetti, roasted cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts for a fast dinner that looks bright and fresh. Picky eaters often have no idea there is asparagus inside. Would you tell your family, or keep it a secret?

You will need: 12 oz spaghetti, 1 bunch asparagus, 1 cup basil, 1/3 cup parmesan, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1 garlic clove, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 lemon, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cook the pasta and blanch the asparagus in the same pot for 3 minutes. 2. Blend the asparagus, basil, parmesan, half the pine nuts, garlic, oil and lemon. 3. Roast or pan fry the tomatoes until soft. 4. Toss pasta with pesto and a splash of pasta water. 5. Top with tomatoes and the rest of the pine nuts.

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry, One of the Fastest Asparagus Recipes

This colorful stir fry is on the table in about 15 minutes, faster than any delivery order. Juicy shrimp, crisp asparagus and sliced carrots are tossed in a glossy garlic ginger sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles and dinner is done. Shrimp cooks in minutes, so have everything chopped before you turn on the heat. Quick poll: what is your favorite stir fry protein? A) Shrimp B) Chicken C) Beef D) Tofu.

You will need: 1 pound shrimp (peeled), 1 bunch asparagus (cut into pieces), 1 carrot (sliced), 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp oil.

How to make it: 1. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, cornstarch and 2 tbsp water. 2. Stir fry the asparagus and carrot in hot oil for 3 minutes. 3. Add the shrimp, garlic and ginger and cook 2 to 3 minutes. 4. Pour in the sauce and toss until glossy. 5. Serve over rice.

Sheet Pan Salmon With Asparagus and Tomatoes

One pan, 20 minutes and almost no cleanup. Salmon fillets and asparagus roast side by side with cherry tomatoes that burst into a sweet, juicy sauce. A simple lemon garlic butter brushed on top makes it all taste amazing. It is one of the best asparagus recipes for the kind of healthy weeknight dinner that does not feel like a compromise. Plus, salmon is a good source of omega-3 fats. How many nights a week do you want a one pan dinner?

You will need: 2 to 4 salmon fillets, 1 bunch asparagus, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, 1 lemon, salt, pepper, fresh dill or parsley.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Arrange salmon, asparagus and tomatoes on a sheet pan. 3. Drizzle the vegetables with oil and season everything. 4. Mix butter, garlic and lemon juice and brush on the salmon. 5. Roast 12 to 15 minutes and top with herbs.

Baked Eggs With Roasted Asparagus

This is a cozy breakfast or brunch that cooks in one skillet. Eggs bake gently in a quick tomato sauce until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft, and roasted asparagus spears are served right alongside for dipping. Add a slice of toast and you have a warm, filling plate that keeps you going until lunch. Tell us honestly: how do you like your yolks, runny or firm?

You will need: 4 eggs, 1 bunch asparagus, 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1/2 small onion, 1 garlic clove, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper, toast for serving.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F and roast the asparagus with 1 tbsp oil for 10 minutes. 2. Cook onion and garlic in the rest of the oil in an oven safe skillet. 3. Add tomatoes and paprika and simmer 5 minutes. 4. Make 4 wells and crack in the eggs. 5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes and serve with the asparagus.

Asparagus and Herb Omelet Roll

Thin, rolled omelets are a fun way to change up a regular egg breakfast. Whisk the eggs with fresh herbs, cook them flat like a crepe, then fill and roll with sauteed asparagus, zucchini and a little cheese. Slice it in half and top it with a drizzle of yogurt and chives. It is high in protein and ready in about 10 minutes. Are you a scrambled, fried or omelet person in the morning?

You will need: 3 eggs, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp chopped herbs (dill, parsley or chives), 4 asparagus spears, 1/2 small zucchini, 2 tbsp grated cheese, 1 tsp butter, 2 tbsp plain yogurt, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Slice and saute the asparagus and zucchini for 3 minutes, then set aside. 2. Whisk eggs, milk, herbs, salt and pepper. 3. Melt butter in a large pan and pour in the eggs in a thin layer. 4. When set, add the vegetables and cheese. 5. Roll it up and top with yogurt.

Steak and Eggs With Seared Asparagus

Weekend breakfast just got serious. A juicy seared steak, two sunny side up eggs and a handful of crisp asparagus make a high protein plate that will keep you full for hours. Add a few roasted baby potatoes and some cherry tomatoes and you have a breakfast that feels like a diner treat at home. This is a favorite after a morning workout. Would you eat steak for breakfast, or is that too much?

You will need: 1 sirloin or ribeye steak, 2 to 4 eggs, 1 bunch asparagus, 1 cup baby potatoes (halved and boiled), cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp butter or oil, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Season the steak and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side, then rest. 2. In the same pan, cook the potatoes until golden. 3. Add the asparagus and cook 4 minutes. 4. Fry the eggs in butter. 5. Slice the steak and plate everything together.

Grilled Asparagus, the Easiest of All BBQ Asparagus Recipes

Next time the grill is on, throw a bunch of asparagus on next to the meat. A quick toss in oil and salt is all it needs, and the smoky char makes it taste amazing. Lay the spears across the grates so they do not fall through, or thread them on skewers. A squeeze of lemon at the end is the only finishing touch you need. What else do you love to throw on the grill?

You will need: 1 bunch thick asparagus, 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 lemon.

How to make it: 1. Heat the grill to medium high. 2. Trim the asparagus and toss with oil and seasonings. 3. Lay the spears across the grates. 4. Grill 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until charred in spots. 5. Squeeze lemon over the top and serve.

Warm Asparagus Salad With Roasted Peppers

To finish the list, a warm salad that works as a side or a light lunch. Tender asparagus pieces are tossed with sweet roasted red peppers, red onion and a tangy balsamic dressing while everything is still warm, so the vegetables soak up all the flavor. Add a little crumbled goat cheese or some white beans to make it more filling. So, which of these asparagus recipes will you make first? A) Roasted B) Bacon wrapped C) Soup D) Stir fry.

You will need: 1 bunch asparagus (cut into pieces), 2 roasted red peppers (from a jar is fine), 1/4 red onion, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, salt and pepper, goat cheese (optional).

How to make it: 1. Blanch or roast the asparagus until just tender. 2. Slice the peppers and onion thinly. 3. Whisk oil, balsamic, honey, salt and pepper. 4. Toss the warm asparagus with the peppers, onion and dressing. 5. Top with goat cheese and serve warm.