Description
This Cheesy Baked Asparagus recipe offers a delicious and simple way to enjoy fresh asparagus topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a flavorful side dish, it combines tender roasted asparagus with garlic seasoning and cheesy richness, all baked to perfection in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Asparagus: Spread the trimmed asparagus spears out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even spacing for uniform cooking.
- Season Asparagus: Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the spears, then toss gently to coat all spears thoroughly.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the asparagus uncovered for 10 minutes. This softens the asparagus while beginning the roasting process.
- Add Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus.
- Final Bake: Return the asparagus to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the asparagus is tender when pierced.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot as a savory and cheesy vegetable side dish.
Notes
- Substitute mozzarella with shredded cheddar or an Italian cheese blend for varied flavor profiles.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking to introduce mild heat and extra depth.
