Roasted Parmesan Asparagus

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus is a quick, delicious, and elegant side dish that highlights the natural flavor of fresh asparagus. Roasting gives the spears a tender-crisp texture with lightly charred tips, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. It’s the perfect addition to almost any meal—from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Simple ingredients and minimal prep
• Crisp-tender asparagus with golden, cheesy topping
• Great with chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetarian mains
• A healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free option

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh asparagus, trimmed
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place trimmed asparagus spears on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss again.
5. Spread asparagus in a single layer.
6. Roast for 12–15 minutes, until tender and slightly browned.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Return to oven for 2–3 more minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
9. Serve warm, with lemon wedges if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
• Total Time: 20–23 minutes

Variations

• Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top before serving
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne before roasting
• Herb boost: Toss with thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning
• Cheese swap: Use shredded mozzarella, Asiago, or Pecorino instead of Parmesan
• Lemon zest: Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest after baking for extra brightness

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed or reheat briefly in a skillet
• Freezing: Not recommended as texture becomes mushy when thawed

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus?

Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw and dry thoroughly before roasting.

Do I need to peel asparagus?

No, just trim the woody ends. Thicker stalks can be peeled if preferred.

How do I know when asparagus is done?

It should be tender when pierced with a fork and slightly browned at the tips.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes, cook at 375°F for 7–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

What kind of Parmesan works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan has better texture and flavor than pre-shredded.

Can I make this ahead?

Roast right before serving for best texture, but you can prep and season ahead of time.

Is this keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in flavor—great for keto diets.

What meats go well with this?

Grilled chicken, steak, salmon, pork chops, or lamb are excellent pairings.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in a sealed container; reheat in oven or skillet to crisp up.

Can I add balsamic glaze?

Yes, a drizzle after roasting adds a sweet-tangy depth.

Conclusion

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus is a fast, flavorful, and foolproof side dish that turns simple ingredients into something special. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers perfect results with minimal effort.

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