Description
Cheesy Baked Asparagus is a simple, flavorful side dish featuring tender asparagus spears baked to perfection with a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy recipe combines garlic, olive oil, and melted cheese to create a deliciously crisp and savory vegetable dish, perfect for pairing with chicken, steak, or salmon.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound, ends trimmed)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus spears on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the asparagus. Toss gently to coat all spears uniformly.
- Bake Asparagus: Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
- Add Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the asparagus.
- Finish Baking: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the asparagus for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Try using Gruyère or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.
- This dish pairs wonderfully as a side for chicken, steak, or salmon.
