Description
Roasted Parmesan Asparagus brings Mediterranean elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort. Crisp green spears mingle with salty cheese, creating a simple yet sophisticated side dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh asparagus
Seasonings and Cheese:
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) grated parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
Liquids and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Carefully wash the asparagus under cool running water, then gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Using a sharp kitchen knife, trim the tough, woody bottom portion of the asparagus stems, removing approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from the base to ensure a tender and palatable texture.
- Spread the asparagus spears in a single, uniform layer across the prepared baking sheet, allowing each piece sufficient space for optimal roasting.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the asparagus, ensuring each spear is lightly coated, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Gently toss the asparagus using tongs or clean hands to achieve an even distribution of oil and seasonings.
- Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the seasoned asparagus, creating a savory and crispy topping.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the asparagus becomes fork-tender and develops a slight golden color at the edges.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted asparagus and optionally garnish with red pepper flakes for an added hint of heat and brightness.
- Serve hot and enjoy the perfectly roasted, flavorful asparagus.
Notes
- Quickly trim tough asparagus ends to ensure tender, delectable bites that melt in your mouth.
- Spread asparagus evenly on the baking sheet to guarantee uniform roasting and perfect golden-brown edges.
- Drizzle olive oil generously to help parmesan cheese stick and create a crispy, flavorful coating.
- Roast precisely at high temperature to maintain asparagus’s vibrant green color and achieve a delightful crisp texture.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish and cut through the richness of the parmesan cheese.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a zesty kick for those who enjoy a subtle spicy undertone.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg