Parmesan Roasted Asparagus Recipe

I recently whipped up a side dish featuring fresh asparagus drizzled with olive oil and garlic, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Personally, I believe this is one of the best asparagus creations I’ve encountered. It is a simple take on savory vegetables that just works alongside any meal.

I recently discovered this Parmesan Roasted Asparagus recipe and it quickly became one of my favorite side dishes. I love how the fresh 1 lb asparagus gets a nice crispy finish after a quick roast in the oven.

It only takes a few simple ingredients – 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, along with a pinch of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. The garlic and Parmesan really give it that savory kick which makes it a perfect match for any main course.

I’ve experimented with different ways to cook asparagus, from toaster ovens to traditional methods, but nothing beats this easy roasted version. Its crisp texture and cheesy flavor not only adds a unique twist to dinner asparagus ideas but also makes it one of the best savory vegetables you’ll ever taste.

Give it a try and see how it can level up your meal!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, its super easy to make and it doesn’t take a ton of ingredients so i can whip it up even when im short on time. Second, the way the Parmesan cheese melts and crisps up on top gives it a really yummy flavor that i just cant get enough of. Third, the roasted garlic mixed with the fresh asparagus makes for a pretty awesome taste combo, and i love how the asparagus stays a little crispy instead of turning all mushy. Fourth, i like how the recipe gives you a chance to add your own twist with the extra spices sometimes, which makes it feel a bit more personal. Lastly, the smell while it roasts reminds me of a cozy kitchen, and that just makes the whole experience more enjoyable for me.

Ingredients

• Fresh asparagus spears are low calorie, high in fiber, and deliver essential vitamins for health.
• Extra virgin olive oil packs healthy fats that are good for heart and add richness.
• Minced garlic cloves provide bold flavor, offer immune boosting benefits, and naturally lend slight pungency.
• Grated Parmesan cheese, savory and salty, adds a burst of protein and rich umami taste.
• A pinch of salt enhances each ingredient by balancing flavors and intensifying the savory experience.
• Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat, extra depth and builds flavor balance nicely.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you have one.

2. Place the trimmed asparagus on the baking sheet in a single, even layer.

3. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and then add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

4. Toss the asparagus so they all get a little oil and spice evenly coated.

5. Put the baking sheet in the oven and roast the asparagus for about 12-15 minutes until they become tender but still crisp.

6. After the asparagus are roasted, take out the tray and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

7. Return the tray to the oven for an extra 2-3 minutes so the cheese becomes melted and starts to crisp up.

8. Keep an eye on the asparagus so the cheese doesn’t burn, then remove from the oven when it’s done.

9. Let the dish cool for a minute or two before serving.

10. Enjoy your Parmesan Roasted Asparagus as a tasty side with your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – You need it for roasting the asparagus at the right temperature.
2. Baking sheet – This is where you’ll place the asparagus so they cook evenly.
3. Parchment paper – Use it to line the baking sheet, making cleanup easier and preventing sticking.
4. Tongs or a spatula – Handy for tossing the asparagus with oil and seasonings so every piece is coated evenly.
5. Measuring spoons – Essential for adding the right amounts of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
6. Timer – Keeps track of the roasting time so you dont overcook the asparagus.
7. Grater – Useful if your Parmesan cheese isnt pre-grated, so you can get it just right for melting on top.

FAQ

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant get extra virgin olive oil, you can use canola or avocado oil for a similar flavor.
• If you dont have garlic cloves, try about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder instead.
• If you want to switch up the Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano works pretty well.
• Sea salt or kosher salt can be used in place of regular salt if thats what you have.
• If asparagus is scarce, green beans or broccoli florets can do the trick too.

Pro Tips

1. If you love your asparagus extra crispy, try preheating the baking sheet in the oven before placing the asparagus on it. This trick helps to get a nice crisp on the underside.
2. Make sure you toss the asparagus really well in the oil and garlic so every piece gets evenly coated. This might sound basic but it really makes a difference in how evenly they cook.
3. While the recipe says minced garlic, you might want to try slathering on a mix of both minced and crushed garlic to get a deeper, richer flavor that pops more.
4. Keep an eye out near the end of the cooking time when you sprinkle on the Parmesan. Sometimes the cheese can burn if you leave it too long so it pays to check often.
5. For an extra flavor kick, squeeze a little bit of fresh lemon juice over the top right before serving. It adds a zing that really rounds everything out.