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Home » Recipes » Thanksgiving Recipes

Slow Cooker Asparagus

Published: Apr 12, 2025 by Debra Clark · 4 Comments

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Slow Cooker Asparagus is a delicious and easy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is made with fresh asparagus, garlic, parmesan, lemon,  and olive oil, giving it a burst of flavor that will have your taste buds begging for more.

Plus, the crock pot is a great way to keep the asparagus warm for a holiday meal!

Roasted asparagus on a plate garnished with sliced lemon.

Next time try the Pan Roasted Vegetables. They are simple and so tasty!

Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe   
  • Ingredients
  • Slow Cooker Asparagus Recipe
  • Instructions 
  • FAQ's
  • Deb's tips
  • Variations
  • More asparagus recipes
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with

Why you'll love this recipe   

Crispy, crunchy asparagus that takes, little to no effort to make! That's why I love it. This is an easy recipe that you can set and forget while you focus on your main dish. 

What's not to love about that?

Ingredients to make the side dish recipe, with print overlay.

Ingredients

Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements. 

Slow Cooker Asparagus on a platter topped with melted cheese and garnished with lemon slices.
5 from 2 votes

Slow Cooker Asparagus Recipe

Bright, crispy, fresh asparagus. The perfect side for most any meal. And it doesn't get more simple than this easy recipe.
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Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 197kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus washed and trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Wash the asparagus spears and trim. Remove the tough ends.
  • Place the trimmed asparagus in the slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with olive oil. Drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil over the asparagus in the slow cooker, ensuring all spears are coated.
  • Sprinkle lemon zest, salt, and pepper evenly over the asparagus. Gently toss the asparagus in the slow cooker to coat them evenly with the garlic-infused oil and seasonings. Top with parmesan cheese and dot with butter.
  • Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 1 ½-2 hours or until the asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness after 1 ½ hours.
  • Once the asparagus is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining juices from the slow cooker over the asparagus for added flavor.
  • If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus or serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Refrigerate - Don't worry if you have leftovers you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.  
Freezer - While you can technically freeze cooked asparagus you will need to keep in mind that the texture will change and will be softer. It's best enjoyed fresh. Eat them as a snack, they are the best!
Reheat - I've found that the best way to reheat asparagus is by sautéing it in a pan with a little olive oil or butter for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it for about a minute, but this may result in soggy asparagus. Nobody likes soggy asparagus!!

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 157mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1087IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg
    Step-by-step instructions to make the side dish recipe. With print overlay for clarification.

    Instructions 

    This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.

    1. Clean the asparagus, trim the tough ends. Place in the slow cooker.
    2. Mince the garlic, then mix with olive oil. Drizzle over the asparagus.
    3. Sprinkle with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. Top with parmesan cheese and dot with butter.
    4. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low until the asparagus is tender.

    FAQ's

    Does asparagus get softer the longer you cook it?

    Yes, asparagus will become softer the longer it is cooked. However, it is important to not overcook it as it can become mushy.

    How do I know when asparagus is done cooking?

    Asparagus should be tender but still crisp when pierced with a fork. You can also test for doneness by cutting a small piece and tasting it.

    How much should I trim off the bottom of the asparagus? 

    The easy way to know where to cut asparagus is to hold one spear by the ends and bend it until it snaps. The point where it naturally breaks is where you should trim off the bottoms.

    Slow Cooker Asparagus on a platter topped with melted cheese and garnished with lemon slices.

    Deb's tips

    • When making this recipe it's important to look for good fresh asparagus that has a bright green color and firm stalks. If the asparagus is wilted or has brown spots, it may be past its prime and will not taste as good.
    • If you are looking for a delicious way to use up your leftover asparagus, try adding it to this Vegetable Frittata for another tasty meal. 

    Variations

    Feel free to experiment with different seasonings when making this dish, such as adding ham, bacon, or crispy nuts; (thinly sliced almonds would be amazing!) for added flavor.

    Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary or basil. You can also try grilling the asparagus instead of roasting it for a smokier taste.

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    Tong holding spears of cooked asparagus.
    Asparagus in Crock Pot

    More asparagus recipes

    • Roasted Carrots and Asparagus is a wonderful combination of yummy veggies.
    • Because I am such of a fan of soup, I always love this recipe for asparagus soup!
    • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is great in the summer, and terrific with a pot roast too!

    Related recipes

    • These Instant Pot Green Beans are another one of my favorite vegetables to make for an easy dinner side dish or a holiday meal.
    • The Candied Sweet Potatoes or Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving Christmas dinner or Sunday supper!
    •  However, if you are looking for a crunchy green vegetable recipe, try the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts or Braised Swiss Chard for a delicious option!
    • If you are in the mood for more vegetable slow cooker recipes then check out this Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup it's great to make a meatless meal that the whole family will love. 

    Serve with

    • A drizzle of Hollandaise Sauce takes asparagus to a whole new level!
    • Do you need a main course idea to serve with these tasty veggies? I love to pair them with a hearty dish like this Lazy Lasagna Casserole or Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    • You can't have a meal without a bread side dish if you ask me and we love the crunchy texture of this Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe. 
    • End this hearty meal with a light and sweet dessert like this Butterscotch Pudding Dessert. It's the perfect sweet treat to balance out the savory flavors of the main course. 

    I love that this recipe. Asparagus in the crock pot is so good and super easy! I usually double this recipe, because extras are great for snacks or adding to your eggs, YUM!! What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

    More Thanksgiving Recipes

    • Close-up view of crispy smashed fingerling potatoes with caramelized garlic, herbs, and seasoning for a crunchy golden finish.
      Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
    • Sliced ham on platter.
      Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple
    • Roasted Green Beans and Carrots on platter.
      Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
    • Scalloped Potato Casserole with serving spoon.
      Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole

    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lois says

      January 14, 2024 at 9:25 am

      5 stars
      We had this and don’t know when I have tasted better asparagus. It was just wonderful. Loved it.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        January 15, 2024 at 1:57 pm

        That's awesome! Glad you enjoy this easy side dish Lois!

        Reply
        • Laura Valencia says

          December 15, 2024 at 9:59 pm

          5 stars
          Love the slow cooker asparagus!!!

          Reply
          • Debra Clark says

            December 16, 2024 at 1:08 pm

            Thanks Laura - it's such an easy recipe and great way to make asparagus!! Glad you enjoyed it!

            Reply
    Blogger Deb Clark smiling at camera holding a plate filled with a casserole.
    Welcome to Bowl Me Over!

    Hey I'm Deb Clark! I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over. We live in a sleepy little town just north of Portland in the beautiful Pacific Northwest... (read more)

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