Andy Montoya
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus is a simple and delicious side dish that can complement any meal. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes in the oven, you can transform fresh asparagus into a flavourful and elegant dish. This recipe is a great way to elevate your everyday meals and impress your guests with a cheesy, garlicky treat. So, let's get started on how to cook asparagus with garlic and parmesan cheese!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 400°F to 425°F |
| Baking time | 8-15 minutes |
| Ingredients | Asparagus, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, parmesan cheese |
| Preparation | Trim the ends of the asparagus, toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and bake |
| Serving suggestions | Salmon, scallops, shrimp, ham, eggs, steak, seafood |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the asparagus
Preparing asparagus with garlic and parmesan cheese is a simple and delicious way to cook this vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the asparagus:
Firstly, choose fresh asparagus that looks bright and vibrant in colour, with tightly closed tips. The stalks should be firm, plump, and roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Before cooking, trim off about an inch or two from the woody ends of the asparagus spears. For a more elegant presentation, you can also use a vegetable peeler to remove the skins from the base of the spears.
Next, prepare your baking equipment. Preheat your oven to around 400-425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or a large roasting pan with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Place the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.
Now it's time to season the asparagus. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus spears, coating them generously. You can use your hands to rub the oil over the spears to ensure they are well coated. Then, sprinkle on some freshly minced garlic. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavour. Season with salt and pepper, using freshly cracked pepper and as much salt as you prefer.
Finally, add the cheese. Sprinkle shredded or grated parmesan cheese over the asparagus. You can use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavour, as pre-shredded or pre-grated cheese may not melt as nicely.
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Choosing the right cheese
Asparagus has a nutty flavour, so it is best to choose a cheese that complements this. Parmesan is a popular choice, as its savoury taste pairs well with the asparagus. Freshly grated parmesan is recommended, as it has a stronger flavour than pre-shredded parmesan. However, if you are in a pinch, pre-shredded parmesan will work.
Other cheese options that go well with asparagus include mozzarella and fontina. These cheeses can be used in combination with parmesan to create a more complex flavour profile. For example, you can mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and then drizzle the mixture over the asparagus before baking. This creates a garlicky cheese coating that masks the taste of asparagus, making it a great option for those who are not fans of the vegetable.
In addition to the type of cheese, the amount of cheese used is also important. A generous amount of cheese will create a slight "crust" on the bottom of the pan or asparagus, adding a delightful crunch to a few bites. However, too much cheese can be overwhelming, so it is important to find the right balance.
Finally, when choosing a cheese to pair with asparagus, consider the other ingredients being used in the dish. For example, if you are using garlic, you may want to choose a milder cheese so that the garlic flavour can shine through. Alternatively, if you are using a variety of spices, a stronger cheese can help to stand up to the bold flavours.
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Seasoning and coating
Firstly, it is important to trim the asparagus spears. The woody ends should be cut off, and for a more elegant presentation, you can peel the skins off the base of the spears. The asparagus should be bright in colour, with tightly closed tips and firm stalks of roughly the same size for even cooking.
Next, the seasoning and coating process begins. The asparagus should be tossed or coated with olive oil, ensuring all pieces are coated generously. You can use infused olive oil or regular olive oil, depending on your preference.
After coating the asparagus in oil, it's time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle the spears with salt and pepper, using freshly cracked pepper and as much salt as you prefer. You can also add some crushed garlic at this stage, rubbing it into the spears to ensure they are well coated. Freshly minced garlic cloves are best, but garlic powder can also be used for a bold, herbaceous flavour.
Finally, the Parmesan cheese is added. It is recommended to use freshly grated Parmesan, as it complements the nutty flavour of the asparagus. Sprinkle the cheese over the spears, and you can also add some mozzarella for extra cheesiness. The cheese will melt and form a delicious crust, adding a delightful crunch to your roasted asparagus.
With the asparagus seasoned and coated, it is now ready to be baked in the oven, resulting in a flavourful and nutritious side dish.
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Baking the asparagus
To bake asparagus with garlic and Parmesan cheese, start by preheating your oven to 400-425°F. While the oven is preheating, prepare your asparagus by rinsing and trimming off about an inch or two of the woody ends. The amount you trim will depend on how tough the ends are. You can also use a vegetable peeler to peel the skins off the base of the asparagus spears for a more elegant presentation. Look for asparagus with a rich green colour that gets lighter at the bottom of the stalk, and stalks that are firm, not wilted or brittle with splitting ends. The tips should be tightly closed and not starting to spread.
Next, line a rimmed baking sheet or a casserole dish with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Spread the asparagus across the baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between the spears to allow them to roast evenly. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with crushed or freshly minced garlic. Using your hands, rub the oil and garlic over the spears to ensure they are well coated.
Now it's time to season the asparagus. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add other seasonings like Italian seasoning or panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. Use your hands to mix the asparagus with all the ingredients, then lay them out into an even layer again. Spray or drizzle with a bit more olive oil to help the cheese crisp up and get that delicious melty texture.
Finally, bake the asparagus in the preheated oven for 8-15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the spears. The asparagus is ready when the tips are slightly crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Serving suggestions
Garlic Parmesan asparagus is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It can complement a wide range of proteins, including seafood, steak, chicken, and pork. For example, you could serve it alongside Mississippi Chicken or Easy London Broil, as suggested by Belle of the Kitchen.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive meal, this asparagus dish goes well with mashed potatoes, scallops, shrimp, ham, or cube steak. It's also a tasty accompaniment to eggs, whether poached, fried, or hard-boiled. For a lighter option, try serving it with salmon.
For a vegetarian option, consider pairing the asparagus with other vegetable sides, such as Instant Pot Carrots, Air Fryer Zucchini, or Italian Green Beans, as suggested by Belle of the Kitchen.
Additionally, this asparagus recipe can be adapted for different cooking methods, including roasting, sautéing, grilling, or air frying, making it a versatile choice for various occasions, whether it's a weeknight meal, a date night dinner, or a party.
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Frequently asked questions
First, trim the asparagus and spread it out on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and rub crushed garlic over the spears. Sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 8-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears.
If you're not cooking it immediately, store asparagus like a bouquet of flowers. Trim a little off the bottom of the stalks and keep them wet, but keep the stalks themselves dry. Place the stalks in a glass with enough water so that the bottoms are submerged by about an inch. Cover the glass with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is best. You can use pre-shredded in a pinch, but bigger shreds of cheese melt and crisp better.
Preheat the oven to 400-425°F.
The asparagus is ready when the tips are crispy and the cheese is melted.
