Cheesy Oven-Roasted Asparagus Recipe: Tasty Parmesan Magic

Tender and vibrant, these roasted parmesan asparagus bring a burst of green to your dinner plate.

Crisp asparagus spears dance with nutty parmesan cheese in this simple yet elegant side dish.

Straight from the oven, these roasted spears promise a delightful crunch that complements any main course.

The bright, earthy flavors mingle with salty parmesan, creating a harmonious blend that will steal the spotlight.

Seasoned with just a touch of salt and pepper, this recipe turns humble asparagus into a restaurant-worthy accompaniment.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Get ready to savor each delicious, golden-edged bite of this irresistible vegetable masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 90 kcal

Servings: 5

Tools That Help You Roast Asparagus to Perfection

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting asparagus evenly and catching any drips.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for trimming woody asparagus ends cleanly.
• Grater: Needed to create fresh, fluffy parmesan cheese shreds.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure olive oil and seasonings accurately.
• Tongs or Spatula: Great for tossing asparagus with oil and seasonings.

Roasting Instructions for Parmesan Asparagus

• Oven Preparation Fresh Setup

Crank up your kitchen’s heat source to a toasty 425 degrees, creating the perfect roasting environment.

• Asparagus Prep

Gently wash and pat dry those gorgeous green spears, then snip off the tough bottom sections for maximum tenderness.

• Flavor Foundation

Spread the asparagus across a lined baking sheet, generously drizzling with golden olive oil and sprinkling with classic salt and pepper.

• Cheese Magic

Shower the glistening asparagus with a snowfall of sharp parmesan cheese, ensuring every spear gets a delicious coating.

• Roasting Moment

Slide the baking sheet into the sizzling oven, letting the heat transform these vegetables into a crispy, golden delight in about 10 minutes.

• Zesty Finish

Pull out your masterpiece and surprise the asparagus with a bright splash of lemon juice and a playful sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Tips to Add Extra Flair to Roasted Asparagus

• Swap traditional parmesan with pecorino romano, asiago, or aged gruyere for different flavor profiles and exciting taste variations.
• Experiment with herb-infused salts, garlic powder, dried thyme, or Italian seasoning to elevate the asparagus's natural earthy taste.
• Ensure asparagus spears are completely dry before roasting and spread them without overcrowding to achieve perfectly crisp edges and tender centers.
• Sprinkle sliced almonds, crushed pine nuts, or crispy pancetta bits over the roasted asparagus for extra texture and protein-rich dimension.
• Drizzle balsamic glaze, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like basil or chives, or add a dollop of herbed goat cheese for gourmet-style serving options.

How to Serve Parmesan Asparagus at Meals

• Pair with Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or pan-seared steak for a complete and balanced meal that highlights the asparagus's elegant flavor.
• Create a Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the roasted asparagus on a beautiful platter as a stunning side dish for weekend brunches, garnishing with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra color and freshness.
• Transform into Appetizer: Cut the roasted asparagus into smaller pieces and place on toasted crostini with a dollop of ricotta cheese for an impressive and quick appetizer that will wow dinner guests.
• Quick Salad Upgrade: Chop the roasted asparagus and toss into mixed green salads or grain bowls to add a warm, crispy texture and rich parmesan flavor to your light meals.

Keeping Roasted Asparagus Fresh After Cooking

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover roasted asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crisp texture might soften slightly, but the flavors remain delicious.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the asparagus in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore some of its original crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent mushiness.
• Prep Ahead: Trim and wash asparagus up to 2 days before cooking. Keep wrapped in slightly damp paper towels inside a sealed plastic bag to maintain freshness in the refrigerator.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible, freezing is not recommended for this dish. Roasted asparagus tends to become watery and lose its appealing texture when thawed, potentially compromising the overall quality of the vegetable.

Ingredients for Roasted Parmesan Asparagus

• Asparagus: Crisp, seasonal vegetable that brings elegant green color and delicate flavor to the dish, choose bright green stalks with tight, compact tips for maximum freshness and tenderness.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Creates golden crispy exterior, enhances natural vegetable taste and helps ingredients stick together, select extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and creates beautiful golden crust, opt for freshly grated cheese for maximum melting and flavor intensity.

• Lemon Juice: Provides zesty, fresh brightness that cuts through richness and elevates overall dish, use fresh squeezed for most vibrant taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element that introduces subtle heat and exciting flavor dimension, adjust quantity based on personal heat preference.

Golden Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy parmesan asparagus emerges as a delightful side dish that elevates simple vegetables into a gourmet experience. Fresh spears coated with savory cheese create a crunchy, irresistible companion you’ll want on your dinner plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) fresh asparagus
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Adjust oven rack to center position and heat to 425°F (218°C), line baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless roasting and cleanup.
2. Asparagus Prep: Rinse asparagus under cool water, thoroughly pat dry, and trim woody stem ends using a sharp knife, creating uniform spears for consistent cooking.
3. Seasoning: Arrange asparagus in a single layer on prepared baking sheet, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each spear is evenly coated by gently tossing with tongs.
4. Cheese Coating: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over seasoned asparagus, creating a delectable, crispy layer that will caramelize during roasting.
5. Roasting: Place baking sheet in preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, watching for fork-tender texture and golden-edged spears that indicate perfect doneness.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and immediately brighten with fresh lemon juice, optionally garnishing with red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, then serve piping hot to maximize flavor and texture.

Notes

• Trim Technique: Cut off the woody bottom parts of asparagus spears to ensure a tender, delicious bite every time.
• Oil Coating Strategy: Evenly distribute olive oil to help asparagus roast beautifully and prevent dry, burnt edges.
• Spacing Matters: Arrange asparagus in a single layer without overcrowding to achieve crispy, golden-brown edges and even roasting.
• Cheese Tip: Add parmesan cheese just before roasting to create a delightful crispy, golden crust that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg