Cheesy Baked Asparagus is one of those recipes that perfectly blends simplicity with flavor. As a baker, I’m always on the lookout for dishes that are easy to prepare but still pack a punch. This recipe for cheesy asparagus is a wonderful choice when you need a quick, delicious side dish. The freshness of the asparagus paired with the richness of melted mozzarella cheese creates a mouthwatering combination that anyone will love.
The best part about this recipe is that it doesn’t require many ingredients. You just need fresh asparagus, garlic, olive oil, mozzarella cheese, and a couple of seasonings. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it an easy option for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you’re preparing a meal for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.
Another thing I love about cheesy baked asparagus is how quick it is to make. It only takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, the oven does most of the work, so you have plenty of time to focus on other parts of your meal.
This recipe is also quite versatile. You can add extra seasonings, swap the mozzarella for another cheese, or top it with herbs for extra flavor. There’s no limit to how you can make it your own!
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and how to bake this cheesy delight.
Ingredients:
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1 pound (500 g) asparagus (with woody ends trimmed)
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3 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced, about 4 cloves)
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3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
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1 1/4 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil to prevent sticking. This step ensures that your asparagus won’t stick to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Prepare the asparagus: Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly, allowing each spear to roast to perfection.
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Prepare the garlic and oil mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly mixed. The olive oil and garlic will create a flavorful base for roasting the asparagus.
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Drizzle the mixture: Drizzle the garlic and olive oil mixture over the asparagus, ensuring each spear is evenly coated. This step will infuse the asparagus with delicious flavor while it bakes.
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Roast the asparagus: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the asparagus for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s tender and has taken on a vibrant color. The asparagus should have a slight crisp to it when you bite into it. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
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Add the mozzarella: Once the asparagus is roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the finely shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the asparagus. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your liking if you prefer a cheesier dish.
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Broil the cheese: Return the asparagus to the oven and use the broil or grill setting to melt the cheese. Broil for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. The broiling step adds a nice, crispy finish to the cheese, creating a rich, golden topping.
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Season to taste: After removing the asparagus from the oven, feel free to adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. The warm, gooey cheese and tender asparagus will already taste amazing, but a pinch of extra seasoning never hurts.
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Serve immediately: Serve the cheesy baked asparagus hot from the oven for the best flavor and texture. The contrast between the tender asparagus and the crispy, melty cheese makes this dish an instant favorite.
Enjoy your cheesy baked asparagus as a side dish to complement any meal, or even as a light appetizer to start off a gathering!
How Long to Bake the Asparagus
The cooking time for cheesy baked asparagus is relatively short, making it a perfect dish when you need something quick yet delicious. After you’ve prepped the asparagus, you’ll want to roast it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus and how tender you like it.
You want the asparagus to be vibrant and slightly crispy on the edges, so keep an eye on it while it bakes. If you like your asparagus more tender, lean towards the 15-minute mark, but if you prefer it with a bit of crunch, aim for the 10-minute range. Once it’s done roasting, don’t forget to top it with the mozzarella cheese and broil for an additional 4-5 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
How to Store Leftovers
While cheesy baked asparagus is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers to enjoy later. To store, place the leftover asparagus in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you have more than you can finish, this dish makes great leftovers!
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. The cheese might not be as melty as the first time, but it will still taste delicious. Alternatively, you can microwave the asparagus in 30-second intervals until warmed. Keep in mind that microwaving may soften the asparagus a bit more, but it will still be flavorful.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Baked Asparagus
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Choose fresh asparagus: Fresh asparagus will give you the best results. Look for bright green spears with firm, crisp ends. The thinner the spears, the quicker they’ll cook, but thicker spears can be just as delicious if you adjust the cooking time.
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Don’t overcook the asparagus: You want your asparagus to be tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooking can result in soggy, limp asparagus, so keep an eye on the time.
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Use high-quality olive oil: The olive oil is a key ingredient in this recipe, adding richness and flavor. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and health benefits.
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Experiment with different cheeses: While mozzarella is a great choice for this recipe due to its meltability, you can also try other cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the cheese should melt well.
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Add a crunchy topping: For a little extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds over the asparagus before baking. They’ll toast up nicely in the oven and add a delicious crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy melted cheese.
By following these tips, you can make sure your cheesy baked asparagus turns out perfectly every time, whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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Cheesy Baked Asparagus
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Cheesy Baked Asparagus are a simple yet flavorful side dish that will elevate any meal. Fresh asparagus is roasted to tender perfection, then topped with melty mozzarella cheese, creating a delicious combination of textures and flavors. Whether you serve it as a quick weeknight side or an elegant addition to a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
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1 pound (500 g) asparagus (with woody ends trimmed)
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3 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced, about 4 cloves)
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3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
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1 1/4 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil.
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Prepare the asparagus: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet.
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Prepare the garlic and oil mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Drizzle the mixture over the asparagus, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
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Roast the asparagus for 10-15 minutes, or until tender and vibrant.
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Add the mozzarella on top and broil for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
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Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
Notes
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For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or almonds on top before baking.
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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For a different flavor, substitute the mozzarella with Parmesan or cheddar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe? While fresh asparagus yields the best results, you can use frozen asparagus if that’s what you have on hand. However, frozen asparagus tends to have a higher water content, which can make it a bit soggy when baked. If you use frozen asparagus, be sure to thaw it and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before following the recipe.
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Can I make cheesy baked asparagus ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the asparagus ahead of time by trimming and seasoning it, then storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s best to add the cheese and broil it just before serving, as the cheese will melt and brown better when freshly baked. You can also bake and store the asparagus for later, then reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
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What can I serve with cheesy baked asparagus? Cheesy baked asparagus is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It goes particularly well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even as part of a vegetarian meal. You could also serve it alongside a fresh salad or with some roasted potatoes for a complete meal. The possibilities are endless!
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely! If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free alternative. There are many plant-based cheeses available that melt well, so look for one that works best for your taste. Nutritional yeast is another option if you want a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
These answers should help guide you through any questions you may have about making cheesy baked asparagus. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!