Looking for a simple yet flavorful side dish to elevate your meal? Look no further than this Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus! Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness, while the combination of garlic and melted cheese takes it to a whole new level. The crispy edges of the asparagus paired with gooey cheese and aromatic garlic will make you wonder why you didn’t make this sooner. It’s the perfect side dish for any dinner, whether you’re serving it with steak, chicken, or even just as a light, flavorful snack. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus is a game-changer! Here’s why it’s sure to become a favorite:
Crispy, Yet Tender: Roasting the asparagus gives it that perfect crispy edge, while still keeping it tender inside. It’s the best of both worlds!
Full of Flavor: The garlic adds a savory punch, and the cheese creates that ooey-gooey goodness that everyone loves.
Quick and Easy: It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or even as a last-minute addition to a dinner party.
Versatile: Serve it as a side, toss it in a salad, or even enjoy it as a snack. This dish fits into any meal and can be adjusted to your taste preferences.
Healthy: Asparagus is packed with nutrients and low in calories, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious, cheesy side dish:
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus, trimmed and ready to roast.
Olive Oil: For drizzling and helping the asparagus crisp up in the oven.
Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced, for that aromatic, savory flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the perfect salty, cheesy element.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty cheese that pulls apart with each bite.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but they add a nice little kick if you like spice.
Lemon Zest: Optional, but a little zest can bring a fresh, zesty note to balance the richness of the cheese.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make this irresistible Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will give the asparagus the perfect roast without overcooking it.
Prepare the Asparagus: Wash and trim the tough ends off the asparagus. Lay the spears on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re in a single layer for even roasting.
Season the Asparagus: Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to make sure the garlic and seasonings are evenly distributed.
Roast the Asparagus: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy on the edges. You can check with a fork to see if it’s tender enough for your liking.
Add the Cheese: Remove the asparagus from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the spears. Return the asparagus to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional Touch: For a fresh finish, sprinkle some lemon zest and crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus warm as a side dish. It’s the perfect addition to any meal!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 150
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus
This dish is great as a side to almost anything, but here are some ideas for pairing:
With Grilled Meat: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
As a Standalone Snack: If you’re craving something light, enjoy this Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus on its own.
In a Salad: Chop it up and toss it into a fresh green salad for added texture and flavor.
With Pasta: Serve it alongside a hearty pasta dish, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a balanced meal.
Additional Tips
Roast it to Your Liking: If you prefer your asparagus a little softer, reduce the roasting time by a few minutes. If you like it extra crispy, leave it in the oven a bit longer.
Substitute the Cheese: Feel free to swap out the Parmesan or mozzarella for other cheeses you love, like Gouda or cheddar.
Spice it Up: Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat or toss in a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
A1: Fresh asparagus is best for this recipe, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before roasting.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the asparagus and season it in advance. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to roast and add the cheese at the end.
Q3: How can I make this dish spicier?
A3: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Q4: Can I make this recipe with other vegetables?
A4: Absolutely! You can try this recipe with broccoli, green beans, or even Brussels sprouts for a fun twist.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispiness.
Q6: Can I freeze the roasted asparagus?
A6: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze the roasted asparagus before adding cheese. Reheat it in the oven and then add cheese just before serving.
Q7: What should I do if my cheese isn’t melting properly?
A7: Make sure your cheese is grated finely, and give it a little extra time in the oven to get that perfect melt.
Q8: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A8: Fresh garlic will give the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder if needed. Use about ½ teaspoon to start.
Q9: Can I use other herbs besides thyme?
A9: Yes! You can swap thyme for rosemary, oregano, or even basil for a different flavor profile.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet to give the asparagus enough space to roast evenly.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus is the perfect side dish to add flavor and flair to any meal. With its crispy edges, melty cheese, and savory garlic, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it as a snack, it’s a recipe you’ll make time and time again. Enjoy!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus is a quick and easy side dish or appetizer, ready in just 10 minutes! Fresh asparagus is coated in olive oil, garlic, and spices, then topped with melty mozzarella and parmesan for an irresistible flavor. Perfect for healthy recipes, recipes for dinner, and simple high-protein meals. A great addition to your list of quick and easy dinner recipes with ground beef or as a delicious vegetarian option.
Ingredients
For the Asparagus:
-
2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
-
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
-
2 tsp minced garlic
-
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
-
1/4 tsp salt
-
1/2 cup whole milk
-
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
-
1/2 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
-
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
-
1/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
-
Wash and trim the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends.
-
Place the trimmed asparagus in a 9×13 baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, add minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
-
Pour the milk evenly over the asparagus.
-
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
-
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
-
Top with red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
-
Use fresh asparagus for the best texture and flavor. Look for bright green spears with firm tips.
-
Double the recipe when serving a crowd—everyone comes back for seconds!
-
For a kid-friendly version, cook the asparagus a bit longer and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
-
Broil for an extra minute after baking for perfectly golden, crispy cheese.
-
Adjust the cheese quantity based on preference. Adding breadcrumbs on top adds extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 91
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg