Are you ready to transform a simple vegetable into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? This Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese recipe is not just another boring vegetable preparation – it's a culinary experience that elevates asparagus from mundane to magnificent! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create a dish so delicious and elegant, it'll become your new go-to side that impresses both family and dinner guests.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even roasting.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cool running water, gently removing any dirt or debris. Pat the asparagus dry completely with clean paper towels to ensure proper roasting.
- Trim the tough, woody ends of the asparagus by holding each spear and snapping off the bottom portion where it naturally breaks. This ensures only the tender part of the vegetable is used.
- Arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, spreading them out to prevent overcrowding.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the asparagus, then use your hands to toss and coat each spear thoroughly with the oil.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the asparagus, ensuring even seasoning.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears. The asparagus should be tender and lightly caramelized with crisp edges.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot asparagus, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving platter, ensuring an even distribution of the melted Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with additional freshly ground black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green, firm spears with tight, compact tips. Avoid any that look wilted or have soft, mushy spots.
- Dry is Key: Ensure your asparagus is completely dry after washing. Excess moisture will prevent proper caramelization and crispy edges.
- Even Sizing Matters: Try to select asparagus spears of similar thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Watch Cooking Time: Thinner spears will cook faster (around 12 minutes), while thicker ones might need up to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Cheese Timing: Add Parmesan right after removing from the oven so it slightly melts but doesn't burn.
- Optional Flavor Boosters: Consider adding garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
