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To make Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus, you need some simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh asparagus is the star here. Look for bright green stems. Minced garlic adds a robust flavor. Olive oil helps everything roast nicely. Grated Parmesan cheese creates a cheesy, savory topping. Red pepper flakes bring a bit of heat, but they are optional. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Lemon zest adds a fresh, citrusy kick. Finally, chopped parsley gives a nice touch of color. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a tasty side dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for roasting. A hot oven helps the asparagus cook evenly. Next, take 1 pound of fresh asparagus. Trim the tough ends. Lay the asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps the asparagus from sticking. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the asparagus. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a kick, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Toss everything gently to coat the asparagus well. Spread them out in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Look for tender, slightly crispy asparagus. After roasting, take the asparagus out of the oven. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes. The cheese should melt and become bubbly. Once done, zest a lemon over the asparagus. This adds a bright flavor. Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this delicious side dish! Choose bright green asparagus. Look for firm, smooth stalks. Thin stalks are tender and sweet. Thick ones can be woody. The tips should be closed and compact. This shows freshness. If they look dry or wilted, skip them. Fresh asparagus makes your dish pop. You can change the flavor with simple swaps. Try adding lemon juice instead of zest for a tart kick. Want more heat? Increase the red pepper flakes. For a nutty twist, add toasted pine nuts. Mixing flavors keeps your meal exciting and tasty. Cooking time can vary based on size. Thin asparagus cooks faster, about 10 minutes. Thicker stalks may need 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want them tender but still crisp. Check often to avoid overcooking. Adjust as needed for perfect results. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips for the best flavor and texture. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give the asparagus enough space to ensure even roasting and crispiness. Adjust Cooking Time: Thicker asparagus may require a few extra minutes in the oven, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a unique twist on flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for more flavor. Try using Pecorino Romano for a salty kick. Goat cheese adds creaminess and tang. If you like it rich, use Gruyère cheese. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. Each cheese gives a unique taste and feel. Asparagus loves company! Add carrots or bell peppers for color and crunch. Broccoli also works well and adds more nutrients. You can even mix in cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Just cut them to the same size as your asparagus. This way, everything cooks evenly. Want to heat things up? Add more red pepper flakes to make it spicy. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky twist. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder for extra flavor. If you love heat, consider cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can make a big difference! After you enjoy your roasted garlic parmesan asparagus, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you leave them out, they can spoil quickly. Make sure to cool them to room temperature first. This helps keep them fresh longer. To reheat, use your oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the asparagus on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm. If you want it crisp again, you can broil it for a minute. You can also use the microwave, but it may make the asparagus soft. If you want to save asparagus for later, you can freeze it. First, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for two minutes. Then, cool it in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as you can. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Roast asparagus at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Check for tenderness during roasting. The asparagus should be bright green and slightly crisp. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. Thaw it first and pat it dry. Frozen asparagus may need a few extra minutes to roast. Roasted garlic parmesan asparagus pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with pasta or risotto. Asparagus is cooked when it’s bright green and tender. You can test it by piercing with a fork. If it gives easily, it’s done! In this post, we explored how to make tasty roasted garlic Parmesan asparagus. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips on selecting fresh asparagus and ways to adjust flavors. I shared ideas for variations and provided storage tips. Using this information, you can enjoy creating a delicious side dish. Customize it to fit your taste. With practice, you'll roast asparagus like a pro! Enjoy your cooking adventure.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

A delicious and healthy side dish featuring roasted asparagus with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 lemon zest of
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper on top.
  • Toss the asparagus gently to ensure it’s evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
  • Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy.
  • Remove the asparagus from the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and zest a lemon over the asparagus for a bright finish.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese.
Keyword asparagus, garlic, parmesan, roasted, vegetable