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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 425°F and coat a baking sheet with light nonstick spray.
- Spread asparagus spears in a uniform single layer across the prepared sheet.
- Create a flavor infusion by whisking olive oil with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Generously drizzle the aromatic oil mixture over asparagus, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
- Roast in the hot oven for 10-15 minutes until asparagus turns bright green and becomes fork-tender with slight crisp edges.
- Extract the baking sheet and lavishly scatter shredded mozzarella across the roasted vegetables.
- 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.
- 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