Randy Chandler
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming, blanching, and roasting. However, one popular way to prepare asparagus is to bake it in the oven with cheese. This dish, often referred to as cheesy asparagus, combines the earthiness and subtle bitterness of asparagus with the savoury, creamy, or salty flavours of different cheeses. While some recipes call for specific types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or mozzarella, others suggest using whatever cheese is available, preferably a mild melting variety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Asparagus with cheese is a tasty combination |
| Popularity | Cheesy asparagus is a crowd favorite |
| Ease of Preparation | Easy to prepare with just a few minutes of prep time |
| Versatility | Pairs well with chicken, beef, or pork chops |
| Nutrition | Nutritional content varies depending on the recipe, but generally contains a significant amount of fat and protein |
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What You'll Learn
Cheesy asparagus as a side dish
Asparagus and cheese are a wonderful combination, and asparagus with cheddar cheese is no exception. Here is a recipe for cheesy asparagus that can be served as a side dish.
Ingredients
- Asparagus
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
- Cheddar cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, add the heavy cream to the bottom. Add the asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the asparagus is tender.
Variations
There are many variations and additions that can be made to this recipe. Some people like to add garlic powder, crushed Ritz cookie crumbs, or crispy crumbs on top. You can also blanch the asparagus in salted water before baking, or use other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or brie.
Tips
When shopping for asparagus, look for stalks that are firm, smooth, and a deep green colour. Try to buy stalks that are equally thick so they cook evenly. Asparagus is best cooked at high temperatures to achieve a crisp-tender texture.
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Baked asparagus with cheese recipe
Baked asparagus with cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that goes well with a variety of meals. It is also a great way to get your veggies in, especially if you are not a fan of asparagus, as the cheese and seasonings add a lot of flavour.
Ingredients:
- Asparagus
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheese (Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Mozzarella, or Cheddar)
- Optional: crushed Ritz Cookie crumbs, heavy whipping cream, cayenne pepper, or bacon bits
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F–450°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or coat it with non-stick spray. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and arrange the spears on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the asparagus and toss until evenly coated. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the asparagus is just starting to get tender. Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the asparagus. Return to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking the asparagus. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- You can add your favourite seasonings or spices to the asparagus before baking, such as cayenne pepper or garlic powder.
- For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle crushed Ritz Cookie crumbs over the cheese before broiling.
- If you prefer your asparagus softer, increase the baking time by a few minutes.
- For a more indulgent dish, drizzle heavy whipping cream over the asparagus before adding the cheese.
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Cheesy garlic roasted asparagus
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming, boiling, grilling, and roasting. However, roasting asparagus with cheese and garlic is a delicious way to elevate this vegetable and make it a crowd-pleasing side dish. This recipe is simple, quick, and easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients and a single sheet pan.
Ingredients:
- Asparagus
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination)
- Lemon (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat it with non-stick cooking spray. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and arrange the spears in a single layer on the baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the asparagus and toss until the spears are evenly coated. Spread the asparagus back into a single layer and bake for 7-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears. You want the asparagus to be vibrant and just beginning to get tender.
Remove the asparagus from the oven and sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and golden brown, which should take about 2-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Feel free to get creative and experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan.
- You can also add other ingredients like chili pepper flakes or bacon bits for an extra flavour boost.
- For the best results, choose asparagus stalks that are firm, smooth, and a rich, deep green colour. Avoid asparagus that is limp, broken, or wilted.
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Asparagus with cheese sauce
Ingredients:
- Asparagus
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or Monterey Jack)
- Cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- Panko (or regular/seasoned dried breadcrumbs)
- Butter
- Poppy seeds
- Oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon (optional)
Method:
First, prepare the asparagus by trimming the woody ends so that they fit well and lay flat in a skillet or baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350-450°F (180-2200°C). Place the asparagus in the skillet or baking dish and drizzle with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the asparagus is tender.
Next, prepare the cheese sauce. Melt butter over medium heat and add cornstarch, water, stock, salt, pepper, and milk. Stir until thickened, then add the grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Pour the sauce over the asparagus, making sure to coat all the spears.
Make the topping by combining the panko, melted butter, and poppy seeds. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the sauce and then top with the panko mixture. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the asparagus is tender.
This dish can be served immediately with wedges of lemon. Enjoy!
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Best cheeses to pair with asparagus
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be paired with several types of cheese. Here are some of the best cheeses to pair with asparagus:
Monterey Jack and Parmesan Cheese
Monterey Jack is a mild cheese that melts very well, and when paired with the saltiness and crispness of grated Parmesan, it adds a crunchy texture to each bite of asparagus. This combination of cheeses can be baked in the oven with asparagus for a tasty side dish.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is another mild melting cheese that pairs well with asparagus. When topped with mozzarella, the asparagus can be broiled or grilled until the cheese melts and becomes golden. This combination is a great side dish for those who are not fans of asparagus, as the garlicky cheese and seasoning mask the taste of asparagus.
Gruyère Cheese
Gruyère is a Swiss hard cheese with a nutty flavor that melts perfectly, making it ideal for cheese sauces. Baked asparagus in a Gruyère cheese sauce is a decadent and rich dish that can be served as a side with an Easter ham, turkey dinner, or pork roast.
Kashkaval Cheese
Kashkaval cheese can be used to make a simple and quick vegetarian side dish of cheesy baked asparagus on a sheet pan.
In addition to these specific cheeses, shredded Italian blends, Fontina, Swiss, Emmentaler, and White Cheddar are also suitable options to pair with asparagus in casseroles or grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a simple recipe for asparagus with cheddar cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F–450°F (220°C).
- Coat a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Add the asparagus spears and shake until they are in an even layer.
- Drizzle with a mixture of oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until the asparagus is tender.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the asparagus.
- Bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve immediately.
Some other popular cheese options for asparagus include Parmesan, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and even a mix of cheeses.
Asparagus that has gone bad will be limp, have a funky smell, or have tips that have turned a darker green.
Cooking asparagus with cheese typically takes around 15-20 minutes in the oven.
Asparagus and cheddar cheese can be a great side dish for a variety of main courses, including chicken, beef, pork chops, or even breakfast with an egg on top.
