Description
This Garlic Parmesan Asparagus recipe features tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with fragrant garlic and a drizzle of olive oil, then topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, cheesy finish. It’s a quick and delicious side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
Cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Optional
- ¼ lemon (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425℉ to prepare for roasting the asparagus to a tender, slightly crisp perfection.
- Prepare Asparagus: Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and place them evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle minced garlic and sea salt, then rub the ingredients over the asparagus to coat thoroughly.
- Roast Asparagus: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the asparagus for 5 minutes. Halfway through roasting, toss the spears to ensure even cooking and roast for another 3-5 minutes until asparagus is tender but still has a slight bite.
- Add Parmesan and Lemon: Remove the asparagus from the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice on top (if using), and sprinkle with the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Serve and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the asparagus and add more salt if needed. Serve immediately as a delightful savory side dish.
Notes
- For a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the garlic quantity.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- Trim the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends naturally where they break.
- Optional lemon adds a bright, fresh contrast to the cheesy asparagus.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your asparagus stalks; adjust accordingly.
