Creamy Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Delight

My quest for the perfect cheesy baked asparagus recipe began during a cozy winter evening in my tiny kitchen.

Crisp green spears waited patiently on the cutting board, ready to be transformed.

Parmesan and sharp cheddar would soon mingle with these elegant vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors.

Delicate asparagus stalks deserve more than simple steaming or boiling – they crave a luxurious baking experience.

Each bite promises a rich, golden-crusted delight that melts in your mouth.

We’re about to turn ordinary vegetables into a memorable side dish that sparkles with comfort and elegance.

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can create such a spectacular result.

FAQs About Cheesy Baked Asparagus

• How do I choose the best asparagus for this recipe?

Look for bright green, firm spears with tightly closed tips. Avoid limp or discolored stalks. Thinner spears tend to be more tender and cook faster.

• Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

Fresh asparagus works best for this recipe. Frozen asparagus can be watery and may not roast as well, potentially making the dish soggy.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This dish is naturally gluten-free. For lactose-intolerant individuals, you can substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Why Cheesy Baked Asparagus Is A Favorite

• Boost Veggie Appeal: Transform boring asparagus into a mouthwatering dish that even picky eaters will love with melted cheese and roasted flavor.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delicious side dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal preparations.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Enjoy a healthy vegetable option that doesn't sacrifice taste, combining the nutritional benefits of asparagus with the indulgent touch of melted mozzarella cheese.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a straightforward recipe that uses a single baking sheet, making cooking and washing up a breeze.

What Goes In Cheesy Baked Asparagus

• Asparagus Spears: Fresh green vegetable that provides the base for this delicious side dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the asparagus.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Classic combination that adds rich, aromatic flavor to the asparagus.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the vegetables.

• Nonstick Cooking Oil: Helps prevent the asparagus from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures easy cleanup.

How To Make Cheesy Baked Asparagus

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to 425°F and grab a baking sheet. Quickly spray the sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Arrange Asparagus

Spread the fresh asparagus spears in a single layer across the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.

Step 3: Create Flavor Coating

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Season the Asparagus

Pour the flavor mixture over the asparagus. Use your hands or tongs to gently toss and coat each spear evenly with the seasoning.

Step 5: First Roasting Phase

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Roast for 10-15 minutes until the asparagus looks bright green and feels tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the roasted asparagus, covering each spear.

Step 7: Final Broiling

Switch your oven to broil. Return the asparagus to the oven for 4-5 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Pull out the cheesy asparagus and give a quick taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious side dish straight from the oven.

Helpful Tips For Cheesy Baked Asparagus

• Check Asparagus Freshness: Select firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips for the best texture and flavor.
• Evenly Coat Spears: Use a pastry brush or gently toss asparagus to ensure every piece gets seasoned with garlic and oil.
• Prevent Overcooking: Watch carefully during broiling to keep cheese golden without burning and maintain asparagus's crisp-tender texture.
• Choose Cheese Wisely: Swap mozzarella with parmesan or gruyère for different flavor profiles and interesting variations.
• Trim Woody Ends: Cut off the tough bottom third of asparagus spears before roasting to ensure a tender, enjoyable eating experience.

Easy Ways To Switch Up Cheesy Baked Asparagus

• Low-Carb Parmesan Crunch: Replace mozzarella with grated Parmesan cheese and add crushed almond flour for extra crispiness.
• Dairy-Free Green Option: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a vegan-friendly version.
• Spicy Mediterranean Blend: Add red pepper flakes and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese before broiling for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Herb-Infused Green Delight: Mix fresh chopped basil and thyme into the olive oil mixture for an aromatic herb-enhanced vegetable side.

Great Sides For Cheesy Baked Asparagus

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the cheesy asparagus, cutting through the richness with its bright, zesty notes and refreshing acidity.
• Match with Protein Partner: Grilled salmon or roasted chicken breast creates a balanced meal, with the fish's delicate flavor harmonizing beautifully with the cheesy, garlic-infused asparagus.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Rustic sourdough or French baguette helps soak up the delicious garlic-olive oil mixture and melted cheese, adding a delightful textural contrast to the tender asparagus.

How To Store Cheesy Baked Asparagus Correctly

• Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the dish stays fresh and tasty.
• Place asparagus on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Check temperature to prevent overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread asparagus on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated evenly.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture. Discard if any unusual odor or appearance develops.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 24-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy baked asparagus elevates simple green spears into a luxurious side dish that whispers spring’s freshness. Crisp asparagus nestled under golden melted cheese creates a delightful companion you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (500g) asparagus
• 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced (about 4 cloves))

Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 425°F and coat a baking sheet with light nonstick spray.
2. Spread asparagus spears in a uniform single layer across the prepared sheet.
3. Create a flavor infusion by whisking olive oil with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
4. Generously drizzle the aromatic oil mixture over asparagus, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
5. Roast in the hot oven for 10-15 minutes until asparagus turns bright green and becomes fork-tender with slight crisp edges.
6. Extract the baking sheet and lavishly scatter shredded mozzarella across the roasted vegetables.
7. Activate the broiler and return the sheet to the oven, watching carefully for 3-4 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown blanket.
8. Perform a quick taste test, adjusting seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired, and serve piping hot directly from the baking sheet.

Notes

• Choose thin asparagus spears for more tender and faster-cooking results, ensuring even roasting and preventing stringy texture.
• Pat asparagus completely dry before seasoning to help olive oil and garlic adhere better and promote crispy edges.
• Customize cheese options by swapping mozzarella with parmesan, gruyère, or feta for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Space asparagus slightly apart on baking sheet to prevent steaming and achieve perfect roasted, slightly crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 317 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 479 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 46 mg