If you’re searching for a simple yet flavorful side dish, baked asparagus with Parmesan cheese is the perfect recipe. This dish takes the natural goodness of asparagus and elevates it with a golden, cheesy topping. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or preparing a holiday feast, this recipe is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about tender asparagus spears coated in olive oil, seasoned perfectly, and topped with melted Parmesan cheese? It’s quick, easy, and requires only a handful of ingredients. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, making it super versatile.
Ingredients List
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1 bunch of fresh asparagus (about 1 pound)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How to Choose the Best Asparagus
Selecting fresh asparagus is key for the best flavor and texture. Look for:
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Bright green spears with tightly closed tips
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Firm stalks that aren’t wilted
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Even thickness for even cooking
Avoid limp or overly woody asparagus as it won’t bake well.
Preparing Asparagus for Baking
Before baking, you’ll want to prep your asparagus properly:
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Rinse the spears thoroughly under cool water.
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Trim the woody ends: Either snap the ends off by hand or cut off the bottom inch or two with a knife.
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Pat dry to ensure the oil and seasoning stick well.
Timing
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Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
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Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
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Total Time: About 20–25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the asparagus bakes quickly and gets a bit crispy around the edges.
2. Arrange the Asparagus
Spread the prepared asparagus on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
3. Season and Toss
Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Toss everything together so each spear is coated evenly.
4. Add the Parmesan
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the asparagus. Make sure to get a good coating for that delicious cheesy crust.
5. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes. The asparagus should be tender, and the Parmesan should be golden and slightly crispy.
Tips for Perfect Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
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Use fresh Parmesan: Grating fresh Parmesan from a block gives you better flavor and texture than pre-shredded cheese.
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Keep an eye on it: Thin asparagus cooks quickly, so check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure the asparagus is in a single layer to promote even roasting.
Optional Add-Ons and Variations
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Lemon zest: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving for a fresh twist.
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Breadcrumbs: Mix a tablespoon of breadcrumbs with the Parmesan for extra crunch.
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Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Baked asparagus with Parmesan is a versatile side that pairs well with:
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Grilled chicken or steak
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Baked salmon or other fish dishes
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Pasta and risotto
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Roasted potatoes
It’s also a great addition to brunch alongside eggs and toast.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can trim and prep the asparagus up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s best to bake it just before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To retain crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but can make the asparagus a bit soggy.
Why Baking is the Best Method
Baking asparagus brings out a natural sweetness and enhances its flavor, especially when paired with Parmesan cheese. Unlike steaming or boiling, baking gives you slightly crispy edges and a deeper flavor.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: 120
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Protein: 5g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fiber: 2g
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Fat: 9g
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Sodium: 230mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on portion size and any add-ins.
FAQs
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Frozen asparagus isn’t ideal for baking because it tends to release a lot of water and won’t get that same crispy texture. Fresh is best for this recipe.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. It’ll still be tasty, though it won’t have the cheesy crust.
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
No worries! The Parmesan adds plenty of flavor on its own, but you can also use minced fresh garlic or leave it out entirely.
Conclusion
Baked asparagus with Parmesan cheese is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with almost any meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a crowd, this dish is sure to impress.