Baked asparagus with parmesan is a quick and easy vegetable side dish that’s delicious. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Tender asparagus spears are oven-baked to perfection with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for a savory, satisfying flavor that’s sure to please.
Making vegetables with cheese is a great way to slip more nutrients into your little ones’ diets. Turkey pot pie with biscuits, ground turkey soup, and sheet pan eggs are also excellent meals that everyone loves even though they’ve got plenty of veggies in them!
Why You’ll Love Oven-Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
What makes this baked asparagus with parmesan one of my family’s favorite side dishes? So many reasons!
- Simple and Easy: With just a few common ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and those looking for a hassle-free meal.
- Burst of Flavors: The combination of asparagus, tangy Parmesan, and zesty Caesar dressing is a remarkable flavor combination that everyone seems to love.
- Versatility: This dish can be enjoyed as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light lunch. It goes well with just about any protein and tastes especially great with chicken or steak.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different herbs, spices, or additions like bacon bits or toasted nuts to add your own twist.
How to Choose Asparagus
You’re at the grocery store, staring at the bundles of asparagus, thinking, “How do I choose the best asparagus?” Here are some tips to make sure your recipe turns out just as you want.
- Look for Freshness: Fresh asparagus has firm and crisp stalks. If they’re wilted, slimy, or have soft spots, you don’t want to buy them.
- Check the Tips: The tips of the asparagus should be tightly closed and compact. They should have a vibrant green color with no signs of dryness or discoloration.
- Consider Thickness: Asparagus comes in different thicknesses, ranging from thin to thick stalks. Thicker asparagus tends to be more tender and flavorful, but can get stringy and mushy if overcooked. Thinner ones are more delicate and crisp, but can be a bit more forgiving when cooking. Choose according to your preference.
- Stalk Appearance: The stalks should be straight and smooth, without any bends or curves. Don’t buy asparagus that looks wrinkled or has brown spots.
- Fresh Aroma: Give the asparagus a sniff. Fresh asparagus should have a mild, grassy scent. If it smells off or unpleasant, leave it behind.
- Seasonal Availability: Asparagus is at its peak during the spring season, typically from March to June. Look for locally grown asparagus for the best flavor and freshness during this time.
Parmesan Baked Asparagus Ingredients
- Mayonnaise – homemade or store-bought will work fine, as will Miracle Whip with a slightly sweeter flavor
- Parmesan cheese – both grated and shaved
- Dijon mustard – brown mustard will work as well
- Lemon juice – fresh is best
- Garlic, minced or grated – you can use jarred garlic for this recipe, or in a pinch, some powdered garlic
- Worcestershire sauce, optional
- Kosher salt
- Asparagus, ends trimmed – this recipe needs fresh asparagus, not frozen
- Croutons – any flavor you like will taste great
- Salt and pepper
How to Make
STEP ONE: Make the dressing. In a small bowl whisk together the mayo, grated parmesan, dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Set aside until ready to use.
STEP TWO: Preheat the oven and prep the asparagus. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Trim the asparagus ends and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
STEP THREE: Bake. Roast for 7-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your asparagus spears.
STEP FOUR: Serve. Remove the asparagus from the oven, and then drizzle with the Caesar dressing, croutons, shaved Parmesan, and some freshly cracked black pepper.
Tips and Recipe Notes
- Choose fresh asparagus. Use the handy guide at the top of the post to help you.
- Trim off the tough woody ends of the asparagus before baking. Just snap one spear near the bottom, and the rest will break at the right spot. Discard the tough ends.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and use your hands or tongs to ensure every spear is evenly coated. This will promote even browning and prevent dryness.
- Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Season the asparagus well to enhance its natural flavors.
- The roasting time may vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears. Thinner spears will cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the roasted asparagus just before serving. This ensures the asparagus stays crisp while allowing the flavors to meld.
- Experiment with different toppings such as toasted pine nuts, crispy bacon bits, or chopped fresh herbs to add extra layers of flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Baked Asparagus
Here are a few delicious options to complete your meal:
- Grilled Chicken – Juicy grilled chicken or this blackened chicken recipe.
- Seared Salmon – Seared salmon beautifully complements the freshness of the asparagus
- Creamy Pasta – Serve the Baked Asparagus with Parmesan alongside a creamy pasta dish, such as fettuccine Alfredo or carbonara, for a comforting and indulgent feast.
- Roasted Potatoes – Add roasted potatoes, like this sausage and potatoes skillet, as a side dish to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Crusty Bread – Use crusty bread to mop up any leftover dressing or to enjoy the asparagus and Parmesan combination.
How to Store Leftovers
Asparagus is always best enjoyed fresh. But, if you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them properly to enjoy the Baked Asparagus with Parmesan later.
In the Refrigerator: Transfer the leftover asparagus to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Separate Dressing and Toppings: Store the Caesar dressing and any additional toppings separately from the roasted asparagus, if possible. This helps the asparagus not get too soggy.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s not recommended to freeze the baked asparagus with parmesan, you can freeze the roasted asparagus without the toppings or dressing. Here’s how:
- Blanch the Asparagus: Quickly blanch the roasted asparagus in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to cool.
- Drain and Package: Once the asparagus is cool, drain it well and pat it dry. Package it in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze: Place them in the freezer. The asparagus can be stored for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Asparagus
To reheat the Baked Asparagus with Parmesan without compromising its texture and flavors, follow these simple steps:
In the Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the leftover asparagus on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
In the Microwave – Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
This recipe should be gluten-free, as written. But you should always check your specific ingredient
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute regular mustard for Dijon mustard, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile slightly. Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy taste that complements the dish well.
Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese adds a distinct flavor, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. They’ll give your dish a similar nutty and salty taste.
Fresh asparagus is recommended for this recipe, as frozen asparagus tends to become too soft and watery when roasted. However, you can use frozen asparagus in cooked dishes like stir-fries or soups.
More Asparagus Recipes
Looking for more recipes? Give these a try:
- Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Wheels
- Old Bay Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
- Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Baked Asparagus With Parmesan
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 medium lemon juiced
- 1 clove garlic minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 pound asparagus ends trimmed
- ½ cup store-bought croutons
- 2 tablespoons shaved parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl whisk together the mayo, grated parmesan, dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Set aside until ready to use.
- Preheat the oven and prep the asparagus. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Trim the asparagus ends and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
- Bake. Roast for 7-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your asparagus spears.
- Serve. Remove the asparagus from the oven, and then drizzle with the Caesar dressing, croutons, shaved Parmesan, and some freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Choose fresh asparagus. Use the handy guide at the top of the post to help you.
- Trim off the tough woody ends of the asparagus before baking. Just snap one spear near the bottom, and the rest will break at the right spot. Discard the tough ends.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and use your hands or tongs to ensure every spear is evenly coated. This will promote even browning and prevent dryness.
- Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Season the asparagus well to enhance its natural flavors.
- The roasting time may vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears. Thinner spears will cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the roasted asparagus just before serving. This ensures the asparagus stays crisp while allowing the flavors to meld.
- Experiment with different toppings such as toasted pine nuts, crispy bacon bits, or chopped fresh herbs to add extra layers of flavor and texture.
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