Frederic Melton
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways. One popular way to prepare asparagus is to bake it in the oven with cheese. This dish is often served as a side and can be paired with various main courses, such as salmon, chicken, or burgers. The asparagus is typically seasoned with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before being topped with cheese and baked until the cheese is melted and golden. Different types of cheese can be used, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or feta, depending on personal preference. The cooking time may vary depending on the desired texture of the asparagus, with shorter cooking times resulting in a crispier vegetable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 400-450°F (200-230°C) |
| Baking time | 10-20 minutes |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Feta, or any mild melting cheese |
| Cheese quantity | 1 cup |
| Cheese state | Melted |
| Cheese application method | Shredded, grated, or sliced |
| Cheese application time | After baking asparagus |
| Baking dish | 9x13 inch |
| Baking dish coating | Olive oil, butter, or nonstick spray |
| Additional ingredients | Heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice |
| Storage | Airtight container in the fridge |
| Storage duration | 1-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Ingredients
- Asparagus
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or any other cheese of your choice)
- Optional: garlic, red pepper flakes, bacon
Method
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, add the heavy cream to the bottom. Place the asparagus on top and season with salt and pepper. Top with grated or shredded cheese. You can also add garlic and red pepper flakes for extra flavour. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the asparagus is tender. If you want a golden, crispy finish, place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes after baking, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
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Ingredients
- Asparagus
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, feta, or any other cheese of your choice)
Optional Ingredients
- Chilli pepper flakes
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
- Butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and rinse them with water. Pat the asparagus dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the asparagus on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each stalk.
- Drizzle olive oil, and season with garlic, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands to massage the asparagus and ensure they are evenly coated.
- Roast the asparagus for about 10-15 minutes. For thinner asparagus, check after 7 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Remove from the oven and top with shredded or grated cheese.
- Return the asparagus to the oven and broil for 2-5 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes golden.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- If you want to add a buttery flavour, replace some of the olive oil with melted butter at a 3:1 ratio.
- For a spicy kick, add chilli pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice and some freshly chopped parsley.
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Choosing the right cheese
The cheese you choose for your asparagus dish depends on a few factors, including personal preference, what you have available, and the desired texture and taste.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for asparagus dishes as it melts well and has a mild flavour that complements the vegetable's earthiness. It is also a good option if you want cheese pulls, as it tends to melt into a puddle. However, some may find that mozzarella's neutral taste gets lost among other strong flavours.
Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is another cheese that pairs well with asparagus. It has a more distinct flavour than mozzarella and can be grated or shredded on top of the dish. It is a good option if you are not eating the asparagus right away, as it does not need to be melted to be enjoyed.
Feta is also mentioned as a tasty topping for asparagus, though no specific details about its effect on the dish are provided.
Other potential cheeses to consider include mild melting cheeses, such as Swiss cheese, Provolone, or Colby Jack, which will likely behave similarly to mozzarella. Harder cheeses like Cheddar or Pecorino may also work, offering a stronger flavour and a different texture.
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Storing and reheating cheesy asparagus
Cheesy asparagus is best served immediately while the cheese is still soft and hot. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It is recommended to consume the leftovers within one to two days as the cheese solidifies when cold and may not taste as good when reheated.
To reheat the cheesy asparagus, you can use an oven, air fryer, or broiler. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F and heat the asparagus until it is warmed through. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil it for one or two minutes before serving.
Alternatively, you can freeze the cheesy asparagus for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze it for up to one month. However, the texture may soften slightly after thawing.
To prevent microorganism growth, it is important to refrigerate the asparagus as soon as possible, preferably within two hours after washing. To keep asparagus fresh for a more extended period, stand the asparagus in about two inches of cold water and cover the tops with a plastic bag. This method will keep the asparagus fresh for two to three days in the refrigerator.
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Asparagus as a side dish
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be served as a side dish in many ways. One popular way to prepare asparagus is to roast or bake it in the oven with cheese. This dish can be prepared in under 15 to 20 minutes and is a great way to get your daily vegetable intake. It is also kid-friendly and can be paired with a variety of main dishes.
To make cheesy baked asparagus, preheat your oven to 400-450°F (200-230°C). Line a baking sheet or dish with aluminium foil and spread the asparagus on it. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add butter instead of oil for a different flavor. Brush or drizzle the mixture over the asparagus, ensuring it is well coated. Then, top the asparagus with shredded or grated cheese. Mozzarella, Parmesan, and feta are popular choices, but you can use any mild melting cheese you prefer.
Bake the asparagus in the oven for 8 to 15 minutes, until it starts to soften and becomes vibrant in color. Then, broil (or grill) it for an additional 2 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden. Serve the asparagus immediately while the cheese is still soft and hot. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top before serving.
Cheesy baked asparagus pairs well with a variety of main dishes. It can be served as a side with lighter dishes, such as salads, or with protein-rich foods like salmon, chicken, or burgers. It is also a great breakfast side dish, pairing well with avocado toast, sausages, and eggs. This versatile side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, even for those who are not typically fans of asparagus.
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Frequently asked questions
Asparagus cooks quite quickly, and is usually roasted for around 10 minutes, sometimes up to 15 minutes.
Recipes vary, but the oven temperature for cooking asparagus is usually around 400-450°F (220-230°C).
The cheese should be added towards the end of the cooking time, when the asparagus is already tender. The asparagus is then returned to the oven for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Mozzarella is a popular choice, as it melts well and has a mild flavour. However, you can use any cheese you like, preferably a mild melting variety. Other options include parmesan, feta, or pecorino.
Cheesy asparagus is best served immediately, as the cheese solidifies when cold. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-5 days.
