Cheesy Roasted Asparagus
Cheesy Roasted Asparagus is a simple and elegant side dish featuring tender asparagus spears topped with crispy, golden Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, it pairs well with a variety of main courses and offers a healthy, flavorful addition to your meal.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 to 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, firm and bright green, woody ends trimmed
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to create a hot environment that will roast the asparagus quickly, caramelizing both the vegetable and the cheese.
- Prepare the Asparagus: Rinse the asparagus well, then snap or cut off the tough woody ends. Arrange the spears on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Spears: Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat every stalk evenly.
- Add the Cheese: Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus, making sure each spear gets some cheesy coverage.
- Roast Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Finishing Touch (Optional): Once out of the oven, sprinkle a little lemon zest for a refreshing contrast that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
Notes
- Choose asparagus stalks of uniform thickness for even roasting.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; give each spear space for proper heat circulation and crisping.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and crispiness compared to pre-grated.
- Watch the roasting time closely to avoid mushy asparagus; aim for tender but still firm.
- For extra crispy cheese crust, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cheesy roasted asparagus, roasted asparagus, Parmesan asparagus, easy vegetable side, healthy side dish