Description
Delightful Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus elevates simple vegetables into a mouthwatering side dish that sings with Mediterranean flavors. Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil create a savory harmony you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh asparagus, woody ends removed
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) shredded mozzarella
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 4 cloves)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Cooking Base:
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange asparagus spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spread for consistent roasting.
- Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, then sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper, gently tossing to ensure complete and uniform coating.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, watching for the asparagus to transform into a vibrant green color and become tender to the touch.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately distribute mozzarella cheese evenly across the roasted asparagus.
- Switch oven to broil and return the pan, watching carefully for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
- Perform a final seasoning check, adjusting salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to a serving dish and enjoy while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with vibrant green color and tight tips for the best texture and flavor.
- Trim woody ends by snapping or cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom to ensure tender, delicious spears.
- Pat asparagus completely dry before seasoning to help achieve crispy, well-roasted edges instead of steaming.
- Customize cheese by substituting mozzarella with parmesan, gruyère, or sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Make this dish keto-friendly by using full-fat cheese and ensuring low-carb olive oil coating.
- Prevent burning by watching closely during broiling and keeping oven rack at least 4-6 inches from heat source.
- Elevate dish with optional garnishes like fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 232 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg