Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

$- 1 pound fresh asparagus, ends trimmed - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Sea salt and black pepper to taste - Zest of 1 medium lemon - Fresh parsley, for garnish To make Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Fresh asparagus is the star here. Look for bright green stalks without any brown spots. The garlic adds a strong, savory taste. Mince it finely to spread the flavor well. Extra virgin olive oil gives a rich, smooth base. Parmesan cheese brings a nice salty, nutty flavor. Use freshly grated cheese for the best taste and melt. The red pepper flakes are optional. They add a bit of heat if you like it spicy. Season the dish with sea salt and black pepper. This brings out the natural flavors of the asparagus. Zest a lemon to add brightness and freshness. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and a hint of herb flavor. These ingredients work together to create a tasty side dish that pairs well with many meals. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the asparagus cook evenly. - Trim the ends of the asparagus to remove the tough parts. Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. - Drizzle two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the asparagus. - Add four cloves of finely minced garlic. The garlic adds a rich flavor. - Season with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If you like heat, use the red pepper flakes. - Toss the asparagus gently to coat each piece with the oil and seasonings. - Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures they roast properly. - Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 10-15 minutes. The asparagus should be tender but still have a slight crisp. - Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle a quarter cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot asparagus. The heat will help it melt. - Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Once done, zest one medium lemon over the asparagus. This adds a fresh and zesty kick. - Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add color and flavor before serving. To get the best results when roasting asparagus, follow these tips: - Make sure to coat the asparagus well with olive oil. This helps it roast evenly. - Spread the asparagus out on the baking sheet. If you overcrowd, it will steam instead of roast. If you want to mix things up, try different cheeses. Asiago adds a nice sharpness, while Cheddar gives a rich flavor. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast. It brings a cheesy taste without the milk. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus pairs well with many main dishes. Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. For a festive touch, arrange the asparagus on a platter. Add some extra lemon zest and parsley on top to make it pop. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green, firm asparagus with tightly closed tips for the best flavor and texture. Even Roasting: Make sure the asparagus is arranged in a single layer to ensure even cooking and avoid steaming. Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a unique twist on flavor. Add More Flavor: Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of lemon juice before serving for an extra zing. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus by adding herbs and spices. Try thyme or oregano for a fresh twist. These herbs enhance the natural flavors of asparagus. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Incorporating nuts adds a nice crunch. Try sliced almonds or chopped walnuts. Toast them lightly before adding for better flavor. The nutty taste pairs well with the garlic and cheese. If you want a different approach, try grilling or sautéing. Grilling gives the asparagus a smoky flavor and good char marks. Toss the seasoned asparagus on the grill for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. When sautéing, use a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and toss the asparagus until tender. This method cooks them faster, so adjust your cooking time. You’ll want to stir often to cook evenly. Both methods can bring out new flavors while keeping the dish healthy and tasty. To store leftover roasted garlic Parmesan asparagus, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the asparagus fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s completely cool first. Lay the asparagus flat on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer bag. This way, it won’t stick together. For the best results when reheating, the oven is your friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice and crisp. If you need a quick option, use the microwave. Place the asparagus on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. However, this method may make it a bit soggy. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. However, the texture will change. Frozen asparagus is softer and may not get as crisp as fresh. The flavor also differs. Fresh asparagus has a bright, grassy taste. Frozen asparagus can be a bit bland but works in a pinch. Look for a bright green color. The asparagus should be tender but still firm. A slight crispness is a good sign. You can also poke it with a fork. If it goes in easily, it's ready! Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. You can trim the asparagus and mix the garlic and oil the night before. Store them in the fridge. When you're ready, just roast them. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best eaten within a few days. Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable. It is high in vitamins A, C, E, and K. It also has folate and fiber, which are great for digestion. Asparagus is low in calories, making it a healthy choice. Eating asparagus can help with heart health, promote healthy skin, and support your immune system. This blog post covered how to make delicious Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus. We reviewed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about flavor variations, cooking methods, and storage options to keep your asparagus fresh. As you try this recipe, remember to experiment with spices and cheese. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty results!$

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

A delicious side dish featuring tender asparagus roasted with garlic and topped with melted Parmesan cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium lemon, zest
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot when you roast the asparagus.
Take the trimmed asparagus and spread it out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the asparagus, allowing it to coat each stalk. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Using your hands or tongs, gently toss the asparagus to ensure that each piece is thoroughly coated with the oil and seasoning mix.
Once seasoned, arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet to promote even roasting.
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast the asparagus for approximately 10-15 minutes. The asparagus should be tender yet still have a slight crispness.
After the initial roasting time, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot asparagus to allow it to melt.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Once the cheese is melted, take the asparagus out of the oven and immediately zest a lemon over the top to add a fresh, zesty flavor.
Finally, garnish with the finely chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest and parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Keyword asparagus, garlic, parmesan, roasted