Cheesy Roasted Asparagus
Cheesy Roasted Asparagus is a quick and easy side dish that combines tender-crisp asparagus with a golden, melted Parmesan cheese crust. This flavorful recipe offers a perfect balance of fresh veggies and comforting, cheesy indulgence, making it an ideal complement to a wide variety of meals from grilled meats to pasta dishes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s both nutritious and delicious, perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Prepare the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus thoroughly and trim the woody ends off the bottom to ensure tenderness. Pat dry to remove excess moisture, which helps in roasting evenly.
- Season the asparagus: Place the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the spears. Toss everything gently to coat each stalk.
- Roast the asparagus: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes, until the spears are tender but still firm.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the asparagus during the last 3-5 minutes of roasting, allowing the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and, if desired, add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose uniform stalks of asparagus for even cooking throughout.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure the spears roast and stay crisp instead of steaming.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese may contain additives.
- Monitor the cheese closely during the last minutes to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal crisp-cheese texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
Keywords: cheesy asparagus, roasted asparagus, easy side dish, Parmesan asparagus, healthy side, gluten free side