Name: Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: Asparagus: 1 pound, fresh, medium thickness is ideal for even roasting. Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Thicker asparagus may require slightly longer roasting time.; Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits. It helps the asparagus roast beautifully and prevents sticking.; Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded is convenient, but freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns more beautifully and has a richer flavor.; Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor that complements the asparagus and Parmesan.; Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Kosher salt or sea salt are great choices.; Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground black pepper, or to taste. Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.; Optional Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional). A squeeze of lemon juice after roasting adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the Parmesan.

Ingredients

Asparagus: 1 pound, fresh, medium thickness is ideal for even roasting. Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Thicker asparagus may require slightly longer roasting time.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits. It helps the asparagus roast beautifully and prevents sticking.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded is convenient, but freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns more beautifully and has a richer flavor.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor that complements the asparagus and Parmesan.
Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Kosher salt or sea salt are great choices.
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground black pepper, or to taste. Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
Optional Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional). A squeeze of lemon juice after roasting adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the Parmesan.

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Instructions

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Asparagus: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your asparagus. Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is important because excess moisture can steam the asparagus instead of roasting it, preventing it from getting crispy.
Trim the Woody Ends: The base of asparagus spears can be tough and woody. To remove this part, you can either snap off the ends where they naturally break (bend a spear near the base and it will snap at the tender point) or trim about 1-2 inches from the bottom with a knife. Snapping is often quicker, but trimming with a knife can be more precise and result in less waste if you prefer.
Toss Asparagus with Olive Oil and Garlic: In a medium bowl, place the trimmed asparagus spears. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the minced garlic. Using your hands or tongs, toss the asparagus to ensure it’s evenly coated with the olive oil and garlic. This coating is crucial for both flavor and texture. The olive oil helps the asparagus roast properly and prevents it from drying out, while the garlic infuses it with delicious aroma as it cooks.
Season with Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper over the asparagus in the bowl. Again, toss to distribute the seasoning evenly. Seasoning at this stage ensures that the flavor penetrates the asparagus during roasting. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference, keeping in mind that Parmesan cheese is also salty.
Arrange Asparagus on a Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Ensure the spears are not overcrowded, as overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting. If necessary, use two baking sheets to give the asparagus enough space. A single layer allows for even heat circulation, resulting in perfectly roasted and slightly crispy asparagus.
Roast in the Preheated Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 8-12 minutes. The exact roasting time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus spears. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes. You want the asparagus to be tender-crisp, meaning it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite and vibrant green color. Avoid over-roasting, as this can make the asparagus mushy and lose its bright green hue.
Add Parmesan Cheese and Continue Roasting: After 8-12 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the asparagus spears. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 2-3 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it during this stage as Parmesan can burn quickly. The melted Parmesan adds a salty, nutty, and slightly crispy crust to the asparagus, elevating the dish to another level of deliciousness.
Serve Immediately: Once the Parmesan is melted and golden, remove the baking sheet from the oven. If desired, squeeze a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the roasted asparagus for a touch of brightness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and the Parmesan is still melty and delicious. Roasted Parmesan Asparagus is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 120
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g