Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Parmesan Crusted Asparagus! Seriously, it’s such a simple yet absolutely delicious side dish that can elevate any meal. I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that’s not only tasty but also easy to whip up? I often make this when I have friends over, and it never fails to impress. The crunchy, cheesy topping is just divine, and the fresh asparagus underneath is tender and flavorful. You can just toss it together in no time, pop it in the oven, and voilà! It’s perfect alongside grilled chicken, steak, or even pasta. Plus, the smell that wafts through the kitchen while it’s baking? Wow! It’s just one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
You’ll want to gather these simple ingredients to make your Parmesan Crusted Asparagus shine:
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Make sure to get fresh asparagus; it really makes a difference in flavor and texture! The Parmesan adds that irresistible cheesy crust, and the olive oil helps everything come together beautifully. You’ll love how each ingredient plays a part in creating this tasty dish!
How to Prepare Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
Alright, let’s get our hands in there and prepare this scrumptious Parmesan Crusted Asparagus! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring this delightful dish in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for getting that cheesy crust nice and golden. Trust me, you want that crispy goodness!
Prepare the Asparagus
Now, grab your fresh asparagus and give it a good wash under cold water. Make sure to trim off the tough ends—usually about an inch or so. You can just bend the asparagus gently, and it’ll naturally snap where it’s tender. How cool is that? This way, you’re left with only the best part!
Mix the Coating
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Just whisk it all together until it’s well mixed. You want that flavor to be evenly spread out! It should smell amazing already!
Coat the Asparagus
Next, toss the trimmed asparagus in the olive oil mixture. Make sure every stalk is coated evenly—this is key! I usually use my hands for this part because it’s just easier to get that coating on every inch of the asparagus. Plus, it’s fun!
Arrange and Sprinkle
Now, lay the coated asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; they need some space to roast beautifully! Once they’re all set on the sheet, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. Oh wow, just wait until it melts!
Bake the Asparagus
Time to bake! Pop them in the preheated oven and let them cook for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, though! You’ll know they’re done when the asparagus is tender and the cheese is all golden and bubbly. If your asparagus is on the thicker side, you might need to add a couple more minutes, so just check for that perfect tenderness!
And there you have it—simple steps to make your Parmesan Crusted Asparagus come to life! I can practically taste it just writing this!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for this delightful Parmesan Crusted Asparagus! It’s always good to know what you’re savoring, right? Here are the estimated values for one serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so they might vary a bit depending on what you choose. But overall, it’s a tasty and nutritious side dish that won’t weigh you down! Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and wholesome!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You’ll have this dish ready in just 30 minutes!
- Simple ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples and fresh asparagus.
- Flavorful outcome: The combination of Parmesan, garlic, and roasted asparagus is simply irresistible.
- Vegetarian-friendly: A perfect side dish for everyone at the table!
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pasta, or even just a fresh salad.
Honestly, this Parmesan Crusted Asparagus is a total crowd-pleaser, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen! You’re going to love it!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Parmesan Crusted Asparagus turns out absolutely perfect every time! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you nail this dish:
- Season to taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning! If you love garlic, add a little more garlic powder. Want a bit of a kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice touch!
- Check for thickness: The thickness of your asparagus will affect cooking time. If you’ve got some really thick stalks, they might need a few extra minutes in the oven. Just keep an eye on them and check for tenderness!
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes for easy clean-up and helps prevent sticking. Plus, it gives those cheesy bits a little extra crispiness!
- Don’t overcrowd: Give those asparagus some breathing room on the baking sheet! If they’re too close together, they won’t roast properly and could end up steaming instead. We want that nice, crunchy texture!
- Let them cool slightly: After baking, let the asparagus sit for a minute or two before serving. This helps the cheese set a bit, and trust me, it makes for an even better bite!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a stunning Parmesan Crusted Asparagus that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delightful Parmesan Crusted Asparagus ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This dish is so versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, making it the perfect addition to your meal.
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled chicken complement the cheesy asparagus perfectly. It’s a match made in heaven!
- Steak: If you’re in the mood for something hearty, a juicy steak alongside this asparagus is simply divine. The richness of the meat balances out the bright, fresh flavors of the veggies.
- Salmon: For a lighter option, try serving it with grilled or baked salmon. The flavors are fresh and zesty, making for a well-rounded plate.
- Pasta Dishes: Whether it’s a creamy alfredo or a light lemony pasta, this asparagus adds a nice crunch and brightness to your dish!
- Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can really round out the meal. It adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy asparagus!
Honestly, no matter what you choose to pair it with, this Parmesan Crusted Asparagus is sure to steal the show. You’ll be amazed at how it elevates your meal and brings everything together beautifully. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of your delicious Parmesan Crusted Asparagus (which is rare in my house!), storing them properly is key to keeping that wonderful flavor and texture intact. Here’s how I do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the asparagus to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent any moisture buildup that could make them soggy. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just remember, the sooner you eat them, the better they’ll taste!
When it comes to reheating, you’ll want to retain that crispy texture. Here’s my favorite method:
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the asparagus out on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method revives that lovely crunch of the Parmesan crust!
- Microwave Option: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them, but be cautious! Place the asparagus on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Just know they won’t be as crispy this way!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Parmesan Crusted Asparagus even after the initial serving. It’s all about keeping that flavor alive, and trust me, you won’t want to miss a single bite!
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Parmesan Crusted Asparagus: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious side dish featuring asparagus coated in Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the asparagus.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the asparagus in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange asparagus on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the asparagus.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is golden.
Notes
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the asparagus.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Asparagus