A food roasting apparatus according to the present invention includes an elongate rigid rod with opposite first and second ends, a handle attached to the first end, and a basket attached to the second end. The rod defines a rod longitudinal axis, the basket defines a basket longitudinal axis, and the rod includes an offset portion such that the rod longitudinal axis is inline with the basket longitudinal axis. Since the rod longitudinal axis is inline with the basket longitudinal axis, the basket does not rise or fall when rotated with the rod. The food roasting apparatus may include a sleeve coupled to the rod and a stand that releasably captures the sleeve and supports the rod. The present invention includes an open-ended basket and a basket that easily and safely opens and closes. When cool, the basket can be removed from the rod for transport or cleaning.