Cheesy Baked Asparagus

If you’re looking for a healthy yet indulgent side dish, Cheesy Baked Asparagus is the perfect choice! This dish is the ideal combination of crisp-tender asparagus, savory melted cheese, and a touch of garlic and seasoning for extra flavor. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make, yet looks and tastes like something special. Whether you’re serving it as a side for dinner or enjoying it as a snack, this cheesy baked asparagus is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Quick and Easy: Takes just minutes to prepare and a short time to bake.
• Cheesy Goodness: A perfect balance of creamy cheese and tender asparagus.
• Healthy but Flavorful: Low in calories, high in nutrients, and still packed with flavor.
• Versatile: Great as a side for any meal, especially with roasted meats or pasta dishes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy baked asparagus:

• Fresh asparagus (trimmed)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Shredded cheese (Mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend)
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon zest (optional, for a fresh finish)

Full ingredient measurements can be found below!

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus

Rinse the asparagus and trim off the woody ends. You can do this by snapping the ends off or using a knife to trim them. Place the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Season the Asparagus

Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss the asparagus to coat it evenly in the seasoning.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Top the asparagus with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Mozzarella adds creaminess, while Parmesan gives it a savory, nutty kick. Feel free to use a blend of both for the best of both worlds!

Step 5: Bake the Asparagus

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus, until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the asparagus is done baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with optional lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy finish. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the asparagus is spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet so it bakes evenly and crisps up.
• Cheese Choices: Use a mix of cheeses to add flavor complexity. Parmesan gives a sharp, savory flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess.
• Lemon Twist: Adding a bit of lemon zest at the end brightens up the dish and complements the richness of the cheese beautifully.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

• Add Bacon: For extra flavor, top the asparagus with crumbled cooked bacon before baking.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the asparagus before baking for a bit of heat.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Cheesy Baked Asparagus makes the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or roasted pork. It’s also fantastic paired with pasta dishes or served as part of a larger spread of appetizers. For a light, fresh meal, serve it alongside a simple salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the asparagus back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it for about 1 minute.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Fresh asparagus works best for this recipe, but you can use frozen asparagus in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before baking to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can mix in other vegetables like broccoli or zucchini for a fun, veggie-loaded side dish.

3. How do I know when the asparagus is done?
The asparagus is done when it’s tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the cheese should be melted and golden brown on top.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the asparagus, season it, and top it with cheese ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Asparagus is the perfect side dish for any meal, offering the perfect balance of cheesy indulgence and fresh, tender asparagus. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to please!

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