Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Baked Asparagus is a simple yet delicious side dish that brings together tender asparagus and melted mozzarella for a satisfying bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant addition to any meal, this recipe is both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (500 g) asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced (about 4 cloves)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 1/4 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly oil a baking sheet.
2. Step 2: Arrange asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the asparagus.
4. Step 4: Roast in the oven for 10–15 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and vibrant green.
5. Step 5: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the asparagus.
6. Step 6: Return the baking sheet to the oven using the broil or grill setting for 4–5 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning as needed and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan along with the mozzarella before broiling.
• You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different taste.
• Trim the asparagus ends well to avoid tough bites and ensure even cooking.
• If you prefer less garlic, reduce the amount or roast the garlic separately for a milder flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid overcooking the asparagus and to keep the cheese melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh asparagus as frozen tends to release extra moisture and may become soggy when baked. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before cooking.

What if I don’t have a broil function on my oven?

If your oven doesn’t have a broil setting, increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 4–5 minutes of baking to help melt and brown the cheese.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

A delightful recipe for Cheesy Baked Asparagus featuring tender roasted asparagus spears topped with melted golden mozzarella cheese, perfect as a healthy and flavorful side dish.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Asparagus

• 1 pound (500 g) asparagus, woody ends trimmed

Seasoning & Topping

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced (about 4 cloves)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 1/4 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly oil a baking sheet to prevent the asparagus from sticking during roasting.
2. Arrange Asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
3. Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the extra-virgin olive oil, finely minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
4. Season Asparagus: Drizzle the olive oil mixture evenly over the asparagus, coating them thoroughly to add flavor during roasting.
5. Roast Asparagus: Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes until they are tender and maintain a vibrant green color.
6. Add Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly sprinkle the finely shredded mozzarella cheese over the warm asparagus.
7. Broil Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven using the broil or grill setting for 4–5 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a golden brown color.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven, adjust seasoning to taste if needed, and serve the cheesy baked asparagus immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Trim the woody ends of the asparagus to avoid tough bites.
• Use fresh garlic for a strong and aromatic flavor; garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch.
• If your oven doesn’t have a broil setting, increase the oven temperature and keep a close watch to melt and brown the cheese without burning.
• For a different taste, substitute mozzarella with parmesan or cheddar cheese.
• This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.

Keywords: Cheesy Baked Asparagus, roasted asparagus, mozzarella cheese asparagus, easy side dish, vegetarian asparagus recipe