Description
Cheesy baked asparagus highlights spring’s fresh harvest with crisp green spears and melted parmesan. Crisp edges and creamy cheese create a simple side dish perfect for family dinners and elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) asparagus, stalks trimmed
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare a 9’x13′ baking dish and preheat the oven to 400F (200C), ensuring even heat distribution for optimal cooking.
- Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer across the baking dish, creating a uniform base for the creamy, cheesy creation.
- Drizzle heavy cream evenly over the asparagus, allowing the liquid to pool slightly around the vegetables for rich, decadent flavor.
- Sprinkle minced garlic across the surface, distributing the aromatic ingredient to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each asparagus spear is well-seasoned.
- Liberally coat the asparagus with freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, creating a luxurious cheese blanket.
- For those craving a hint of heat, dust the surface with red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for golden, bubbling cheese and tender asparagus.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately, savoring the harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy, and vegetable flavors.
Notes
- Choose firm, bright green asparagus spears with tightly closed tips for the best texture and flavor when baking.
- Trim woody ends before cooking to ensure tender, delicious bites that aren’t tough or stringy.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that complement the asparagus.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or vegetable broth to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg