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Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Asparagus
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet – to bake the asparagus.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the asparagus in oil and seasonings.
- Tongs – to easily handle and coat the asparagus.
- Grater – if you’re using fresh cheese to grate your mozzarella and parmesan.
- Parchment paper – to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus
Wash and trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears. In a large mixing bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the spears aren’t overlapping to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the asparagus with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring that each spear gets a generous amount of cheesy goodness. If you like extra flavor, sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the asparagus is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Use different cheeses: Try swapping the mozzarella for cheddar, Gruyère, or even feta for a different flavor profile.
- Add breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping, sprinkle a small handful of panko breadcrumbs on top of the asparagus before baking.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a little heat.
- Make it a main dish: Add cooked, shredded chicken or prosciutto to the baking sheet for a more filling option.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so tasty!), store the baked asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the asparagus in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the asparagus may lose some of its crispiness.
Pairing Suggestions
Cheesy Baked Asparagus pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled chicken: The cheesy richness of the asparagus complements the smoky flavor of grilled chicken.
- Steak: Serve alongside a perfectly cooked steak for a hearty, balanced meal.
- Fish: The light, fresh taste of baked or grilled fish goes beautifully with this cheesy side.
- Pasta: Add this dish to a creamy pasta like fettuccine Alfredo for a satisfying meal.
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