Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

I saw some good looking asparagus from Costco last week and decided to buy them even though it was not on my shopping list. I made and shared parmesan roasted broccoli before and it has become one of the popular recipes on my blog. I have been making it frequently and it is one of my family’s favorite ways of eating broccoli. With this in mind, I decided to make the asparagus version of it. The asparagus version is simpler though; ingredients are just olive oil, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. I was not disappointed, the asparagus when properly cooked, tasted great. They were tender, juicy and have a bit of crunch to them. Adding parmesan cheese to them even intensified the taste and flavor. Love it!

Cooking Tips for Perfectly Roasted Asparagus

Getting the asparagus just right is key to making this dish shine. Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature helps achieve that lovely caramelization. When preparing your asparagus, make sure to trim the ends. The tough, woody parts can ruin the experience. A good rule of thumb is to snap the asparagus gently; it will break where it naturally becomes tender. Toss the asparagus with olive oil in a bowl, ensuring each spear is coated evenly. Don’t skimp on the olive oil, as it helps the parmesan adhere and aids in roasting. After seasoning with salt and pepper, spread the asparagus out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. Keep an eye on them, as you want them tender but still crisp. A quick toss halfway through can help with even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Parmesan roasted asparagus is versatile and can complement many dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to your plate. If you are serving it as part of a larger meal, consider a light lemon vinaigrette drizzled over the top for added zing. For a more substantial dish, try serving the roasted asparagus over a bed of quinoa or rice, topped with sliced almonds for crunch. If you want to impress at a gathering, arrange the asparagus on a platter and sprinkle some extra parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This adds a nice visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. It also makes for a delightful appetizer when served with a side of aioli or a tangy dipping sauce. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative with your serving styles.

Storage Instructions and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers, storing them properly will keep the asparagus fresh for the next day. Allow the roasted asparagus to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating them in the oven is the best method to retain their crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the asparagus on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as this can make the asparagus soggy. If you want to get creative, chop the leftover asparagus and toss it into a salad or a frittata. It adds a lovely flavor and texture, making it a great way to use up any extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

Frozen asparagus can be used, but it may not roast as well as fresh. The texture might end up a bit softer since it’s pre-cooked during the freezing process. If you go this route, reduce the roasting time to avoid mushiness.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option that adds a cheesy flavor too.

How do I store leftover roasted asparagus?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to help retain some of that roasted crunch.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Roasted asparagus is best served fresh, but you can prep it ahead of time. Trim and toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then store it in the fridge for a few hours before roasting.

What’s a good way to serve Parmesan roasted asparagus?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish. You can also toss it into a salad or serve it alongside pasta for a delicious side.

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

Liza A

Oven-roasted asparagus gets a savory twist with crispy Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s simple, flavorful, and a delightful side for any meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Total Time 24 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 2 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 lemon cut into wedges

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400° F.
• Lay asparagus in a single layer on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Roast for 12 to 15 minutes, or until tender. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and return to the oven for another 2 minutes.
• Squeeze lemon juice over asparagus before serving.

Notes

Recipe slightly adapted: foodnetwork.com

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g

Keyword asparagus, easy recipe, healthy side, parmesan, roasted vegetables

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