Modified: · Published: by Wendy Polisi · This post may contain affiliate links ·
For a simple side that works as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for elegant entertaining, give this Baked Parmesan Asparagus recipe a try! It comes together in minutes and is the perfect easy veggie recipe. Make it once, and you will turn to it again and again.
When it comes to a wholesome side dish, I am not sure that it gets much better than asparagus.
It is quick and easy to make and works as well for a simple chicken dinner as it does for a special occasion.
But sometimes, I go traditional use my oven, and this Baked Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese is my go-to easy side dish.
It only takes about 10 minutes, and the result is tender, slightly crispy spears of asparagus that are perfect with almost any meal.
Ingredients for Making Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
Asparagus: Choose asparagus stalks that are uniform in thickness, so they cook evenly. If the asparagus spears are thick, you can snap off the woody ends before cooking. Keep a close eye if you have thin asparagus – it can quickly overcook.
Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is perfect for cooking at high temperatures. It also has a light, neutral flavor that won’t affect the taste of the asparagus. Feel free to use your preferred oil. Olive oil works, but I don’t recommend cooking with extra virgin olive oil.
Salt, Pepper, and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Season the asparagus to your taste with these simple ingredients. You could use garlic powder, basil, or Italian seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese takes this dish to the next level. It’s delicious and adds a beautiful finishing touch. I recommend grating your parmesan or buying it pre-grated from the refrigerator section.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and is a nice finishing touch for this parmesan baked asparagus. Balsamic vinegar also works.
Tips & Tricks for Making the Best Baked Asparagus
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before you start preparing the asparagus. This will help ensure that it cooks evenly.
Be sure to wash the asparagus spears thoroughly before cooking. They often have dirt and sand on them from being grown in the ground.
Bake the asparagus for 10-12 minutes to get that perfect crispy-yet-tender texture. Any longer, and they will start to get mushy.
Serve the asparagus immediately after baking for the best flavor and texture.
No, you don’t have to peel asparagus before cooking it. If the asparagus spears are thick, you can snap off the woody ends before cooking. Otherwise, they can be cooked as is.
If you want to peel your asparagus, you certainly can, but it isn’t necessary for this asparagus baked with parmesan cheese.
What About Soaking?
No, there is no need to soak asparagus before baking. Just be sure to wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Asparagus
First, start by preheating the oven to 400° F.
Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle with oil and season with sea salt or kosher salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the asparagus for 8 minutes.
Next, add the parmesan cheese and roast for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is melted. (Thick asparagus could take slightly longer.)
Finally, sprinkle the roasted asparagus with freshly squeezed lemon juice and serve immediately. For even more flavor, add in a teaspoon of lemon zest.
Enjoy your delicious parmesan baked asparagus recipe!
Caprese Pasta Salad works just as well for a side dish as a vegetarian main.
Comfort god doesn’t get any better than this Sour Cream Potato Salad. This easy side dish recipe is always a hit!
If you like this recipe don’t forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, Instagram, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
Baked Asparagus
Baked asparagus is a simple way to enjoy asparagus, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare. Plus, baked asparagus is low in calories and high in fiber, making it the perfect choice if you’re looking for a wholesome side dish.
Wendy Polisi is a recipe developer, food photographer, and author of five cookbooks. As a single mom of three, she’s spent years getting real, from-scratch dinners on the table every single night. On WendyPolisi.com, she shares the comfort-food classics families actually want to eat. Made from scratch, built for real life, and doable on weeknights.
Jeannie notes.. Above is curated for evaluation and recommendation from wendypolisi.com
Leave a Reply