Cheese And Asparagus: Perfect Pairing For Spring

Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in many ways and paired with a variety of cheeses. Some popular cheese choices to complement asparagus include mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, gruyere, and Monterey cheese. The type of cheese you choose can add different flavours and textures to the dish, such as a subtle flavour with mozzarella or a golden crisp with parmesan.

Mozzarella and Parmesan

Mozzarella and Asparagus

Asparagus with mozzarella is a delicious combination that can be made in various ways. Here are some tips and recipes to try:

• Mozzarella is a subtle flavour that won't overpower the asparagus.
• Shredded mozzarella works well as it creates the perfect cheese pull.
• For an extra indulgent touch, try adding some garlic to the asparagus before topping with mozzarella.
• To prepare the asparagus, trim the woody ends and toss them in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Roast the asparagus at a high temperature for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
• For a more well-done asparagus, increase the baking time by a few minutes.
• Once the asparagus is cooked to your liking, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and return it to the oven until the cheese melts.
• This cheesy asparagus makes a great side dish and can be served with chicken, beef, or pork chops.

Parmesan and Asparagus

Parmesan cheese is a popular choice to pair with asparagus, as the salty and nutty flavours complement the vegetable well. Here are some tips and recipes:

• When choosing Parmesan, it is best to use freshly grated cheese for the best flavour and texture.
• Parmesan asparagus can be made by roasting asparagus spears that have been seasoned and topped with shredded or grated Parmesan cheese.
• For a simple side dish, try roasting asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
• For a more indulgent option, try a recipe that includes heavy whipping cream, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
• Parmesan asparagus can be served with a variety of main dishes, from fish to steak.

Cheddar and Parmesan

A combination of Cheddar and Parmesan cheese with asparagus makes for a delicious side dish. This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• Asparagus
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Flour
• Milk
• Cream cheese

Method

Firstly, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Combine the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Next, toss the asparagus in the seasoning.

Bake the asparagus for 10 minutes or until it is "crisp-tender".

Meanwhile, set your broiler to high and bring the milk to a simmer on the stovetop.

Combine the cheddar cheese and flour with the milk, then whisk in the cream cheese. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens.

Spoon the cheese mixture over the roasted asparagus, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Broil for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese becomes golden brown.

Tips

• You can garnish with breadcrumbs if desired.
• Don't forget to soak or rinse your asparagus before cooking to remove any dirt or grit.
• For the best results, use fresh asparagus.
• You can trim the woody ends off the asparagus, but this is not necessary.
• If you like your asparagus with a bit of a 'bite', bake for 8-10 minutes. If you prefer it softer, increase the baking time by a couple of minutes.

Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper

When it comes to choosing a cheese to go with asparagus, there are several options that can be paired with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

A popular choice is mozzarella, which provides a subtle flavour that doesn't overpower the asparagus. Parmesan is also a good option to add a golden crisp to the dish. Gruyere is suggested as a substitute for parmesan.

For a more indulgent option, a combination of Monterey and Parmesan cheese can be used. The heavy whipping cream in this recipe adds to the creamy texture.

When preparing asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, it is important to trim the woody ends of the asparagus. This can be done by lining up the asparagus and slicing off the white/woody parts. The amount of garlic used can be adjusted according to taste preferences.

Baking instructions vary depending on the desired texture of the asparagus. For a softer texture, bake for a longer duration, and for a crisp bite, reduce the baking time. It is recommended to bake at temperatures between 390-425°F for 8-12 minutes.

Some recipes also suggest blanching the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, followed by an ice bath, to ensure even cooking.

Heavy cream

Ingredients and Preparation

For this recipe, you will need heavy cream, asparagus, garlic, salt, pepper, and cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, parmesan, Monterey Jack, or a combination of these. You will also need a baking dish, such as a 9"x13" oval dish, and some basic kitchen tools like measuring cups and spoons, a knife, and a cutting board.

To prepare the dish, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Wash and trim the asparagus spears, removing the woody ends. You can also peel or slice off the thick outer layer if desired. Mince or finely dice the garlic cloves.

Assembly

In your baking dish, spread out the asparagus spears. Drizzle the heavy cream over the asparagus, ensuring an even coating. Sprinkle the garlic, salt, and pepper over the asparagus. You can also add red pepper flakes for a slight spicy kick. Finally, top the dish with your chosen cheeses, grated or shredded.

Cooking and Serving

Bake the asparagus in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking; the asparagus should be tender, and the cheese melted and golden. If you want a bit of browning, you can broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve the cheesy baked asparagus immediately while it's still hot and bubbly. It makes a great side dish for steak, chicken, or pork chops.

Customization and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. You can also add other ingredients like cooked bacon bits or crispy shallots for a savory crunch. If you want to prepare the dish in advance, you can assemble it and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This cheesy baked asparagus dish is a delicious and easy way to enjoy your vegetables, and the heavy cream adds a decadent touch.

Baked vs roasted

Baking and roasting are two different cooking methods that can be used to cook asparagus with cheese. Both methods have their own advantages and will produce slightly different results in terms of texture and flavour.

Baking Asparagus with Cheese

Baking asparagus with cheese is a quick and easy way to prepare this dish. The oven temperature for baking asparagus with cheese is typically between 390-400°F/200°C. The baking time can vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus and the desired level of doneness, but it usually ranges from 8-20 minutes.

To bake asparagus with cheese, you will need to trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. Then, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings such as salt and pepper. Some recipes also call for heavy whipping cream to be added to the dish before baking.

After seasoning the asparagus, sprinkle shredded or grated cheese on top. Mozzarella, Parmesan, Monterey, and Gruyere are all popular choices for baked asparagus. You can also add a second layer of cheese, such as grated Parmesan, on top.

Bake the asparagus until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the asparagus is tender. This usually takes around 8-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus and the desired level of doneness.

Roasting Asparagus with Cheese

Roasting asparagus with cheese is another simple way to prepare this dish. The oven temperature for roasting asparagus is typically around 425°F/220°C. The roasting time can vary but is usually around 12-15 minutes.

To roast asparagus with cheese, you will also need to trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. Then, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. You can also add lemon juice to the asparagus before roasting, which can help to remove any bitterness.

Sprinkle shredded or grated Parmesan cheese on top of the asparagus before roasting. You can also add other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, to create a melted cheese topping.

Roast the asparagus until it is tender and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. This usually takes around 12-15 minutes.

Comparison

Both baking and roasting asparagus with cheese will result in a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Baked asparagus with cheese may have a slightly softer texture, while roasted asparagus with cheese may have a crispier texture due to the higher oven temperature.

Baking asparagus with cheese allows for more variety in terms of cheese choices, as the lower oven temperature means that cheeses with lower melting points can be used. Roasting asparagus with cheese, on the other hand, may result in a more concentrated flavour due to the higher oven temperature.

Ultimately, the decision between baking and roasting asparagus with cheese may come down to personal preference, as both methods have their own unique advantages and will produce a tasty dish.

Frequently asked questions