Oven Roasted Asparagus
Raise your hand if you LOVE Roasted Vegetables! Roasting vegetables is my absolute favorite way to prepare them. Not only is it a bake and forget it technique, it enhances the vegetables flavors while caramelizing the exterior -winning! Some of my favorite roasted vegetables include Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Carrots, Roasted Root Vegetables and Roasted Potatoes, but I could go on and on – and I will about this Parmesan Baked Asparagus! (Feel Free to click the “jump to recipe button” at the top of the post to skip the tips and tricks.) This Baked Asparagus with Parmesan transforms tall and gangly asparagus into confident, crisp-tender asparagus dressed to impress. It looks uber fancy but is SO easy and made with pantry friendly ingredients. That means you can serve Parmesan Asparagus for Easter, company or other special occasions as well as the side to virtually any dinner – and aren’t we always looking for easy dinner sides?! I put most of my effort into the main dish, so I LOVE an easy, yummy side that tastes exponentially better than the effort that went into it. YAY for Baked Asparagus! And the best part? It only takes a minute or so more to make Parmesan Asparagus than regular Baked Asparagus – just as long as it takes you to grate the cheese! If you want to add the crispy buttery panko topping (YES YOU DO!), then it doesn’t require any more time, because we toast the topping while the asparagus in the oven. So, from start to finish, this Parmesan Baked Asparagus will take you about 15 minutes. And less time to gobble it up. So, who’s ready to talk about Asparagus?!
Choosing Asparagus for Roasting
The best Baked Asparagus starts with fresh asparagus! Look for asparagus that are firm and straight and not limp and saggy.
Look for asparagus that are bright green with a small amount of white towards the base. The tips should be compact and firm instead of loose and starting to spread or sprout. When asparagus is going bad, the tips are the first indicator – they will turn a very dark green and will become mushy when touched.
When selecting asparagus, size isn’t always an indicator of flavor, so for this Oven Baked Asparagus Recipe, you can use any size of asparagus spears, you will just need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
I like to use medium size spears as opposed to small spears (which you will need more of to equal the same amount of weight) because that way there is a little more room in between the asparagus when they are lined up so they caramelize better.
HOW DO I STORE FRESH ASPARAGUS?
Once you select fresh asparagus, you will want to keep it fresh. It’s a sad day when you’re giddy to bake asparagus and your asparagus are bad. The best way to store asparagus is to trim the base, just a half-inch or so, and place them upright in a container with about an inch of water at the bottom. You can use a tall measuring glass, jar, vase or a couple glasses to do this. I like a large glass jar because then I can see when the water is getting low. You want the asparagus stems to stay in water while storing, but you want the rest of the asparagus to stay dry, so never rinse your asparagus before storing. Now, cover your asparagus with a plastic bag, preferable in the crisper drawer, and store for up to 5 days.
HOW TO TRIM ASPARAGUS
When you’re ready to make your Parmesan Baked Asparagus, it’s time to really trim the ends. The ends of asparagus are chewy and woody, so they need to be trimmed before roasting.
If you hold a piece of asparagus and bend it, the asparagus will naturally snap where the tough end begins. Instead of snapping the woody ends off of every piece of asparagus, I do this to only one piece, then line the asparagus up on a cutting board and chop off all the ends at this same point. So, with just one snap and one long slice, all the asparagus are trimmed!
What you’ll need for roasting Asparagus in the Oven
Baked asparagus transforms into a savory, nutty, cheesy delight with just a few ingredients and a few minutes in the oven:
Asparagus: this Parmesan Asparagus recipe calls for 1 bunch of asparagus which is roughly one pound. You can easily double the recipe and use a larger jelly roll pan. olive oil: use extra virgin olive oil for more flavor or any of your favorite baking oils such as avocado oil or grape seed oil. lemon juice: you can use fresh or bottled lemon juice. This doesn’t make your asparagus taste too lemony, just brightens all the flavors. If you want more of a lemon flavor, you can garnish with freshly grated lemon zest. Alternatively, you can swap the lemon juice for balsamic like I do in my Roasted Asparagus recipe. garlic powder: I love fresh garlic, but prefer garlic powder for this oven roasted asparagus as it more evenly coats and clings to the asparagus. With fresh garlic, you also run the risk of the garlic burning and ruining your entire pan. salt and pepper: are a MUST with all vegetables otherwise they will taste bland, even when seasoned with other herbs or spices. You can use more or less to taste. herbs: I like to season my Parmesan Asparagus with pinches of dried thyme, dried oregano and dried basil for a fantastic herby flavor. nutmeg: enhances the natural flavor of the asparagus while virtually tasting undetectable itself. Parmesan cheese: I use a full ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese but you are welcome to use less- or even more! Please only use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for its superior flavor and melting abilities – after all, this is PARMESAN Asparagus. I purchase my Parmesan Cheese at Costco for a reasonable price and it keeps forever. panko: is a Japanese breadcrumb sold in every grocery store (including Walmart) usually next to the other breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and dryer than normal breadcrumbs so they absorb less moisture and become much crispier. Please do not substitute panko breadcrumbs with Italian breadcrumbs or you will be missing out on the gorgeous, satisfying CRUNCH.
HOW TO BAKE ASPARAGUS
Best temperature for Roasted Asparagus in the Oven
Roast asparagus at 425 degrees for 7-10 minutes, or until they are crisp tender. There are several factors that affect the roasting time of baked asparagus such as thickness, the actual temperature of your oven, the age of the asparagus and your desired crisp-tenderness. I suggest testing your asparagus at 7 minutes then cooking a few minutes longer if you would like it less crunchy.
Prepping this Asparagus Recipe ahead of time
This Baked Parmesan Asparagus is the perfect dinner side to assemble in advance. Simply toss the asparagus with olive oil and seasonings and either store in an aright container in the refrigerator or spread into an even layer on a baking sheet, cover with foil and refrigerate. You can also prep the panko topping ahead of time and store it in a Ziploc bag or airtight container. When you are ready to eat, top the asparagus with Parmesan and bake according to directions.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR OVEN ROASTED ASPARAGUS:
Should I use thin or thick asparagus spears? You can use either! While thinner asparagus tend to be more flavorful when eaten plain, both thick and thin asparagus produce equally satisfying results when baked. Do I have to use panko? The panko adds that tantalizing buttery, crispy, crunch, so I HIGHLY encourage it. If you omit the panko, I think this drastically changes the recipe, but you can if you prefer. If omitting the panko, you may want to add in some toasted pine nuts, sesame seeds, bacon, etc. for added crunch. How should I grate my Parmesan? Freshly grated Parmesan tastes far superior in this recipe. Grate it on the smallest holes of your grater – not the micro planer. Do I have to add Parmesan? No! You can make Baked Asparagus just with olive oil, salt, and pepper. From here, you can customize with lemon juice or balsamic, and optional herbs. Can I use another type of cheese? I love the way salty, nutty Parmesan pairs with asparagus, but feel free to mix it up! You can use any quality melting cheese or add feta or goat cheese after the asparagus is baked. What pan should I use? A traditional baking sheet works well for this baked asparagus but you will want to separate your asparagus into two pans if doubling the recipe. When is my asparagus done? The baked asparagus is done when it is crisp tender – you still want it to have a little bite. If you test a piece and it is difficult to chew, then bake on. If it is mushy, then sadly it is overcooked. Check your asparagus right at 7 minutes so this never happens to you.
Roasted Asparagus Recipe variations to try
Baked Asparagus are fabulous because they are a chameleon when it comes to seasonings. You can use the always classic Italian seasonings used in this recipe or try any of these seasonings:
Herbs de Provence Everything bagel seasoning Butter Garlic seasoning (I’m obsessed with Kinder’s Master Salt) Ranch seasoning Cajun seasoning Creole seasoning Garlic Salt Tarragon Chinese 5 spice Smoked paprika Ground Cumin Chili Powder Red chili flakes
In addition to seasonings, you can also toss the baked asparagus in all sorts of “sauces” at the end of cooking to change the flavor profile. Here are just a few recipe ideas:
BALSAMIC Baked Asparagus
Toss roasted asparagus with 1 ½ tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (more or less to taste – will depend on strength of vinegar) after they’ve finished cooking.
Baked Asparagus with Pesto
Omit the lemon juice and Parmesan in the recipe but otherwise follow the instructions. Toss the hot roasted asparagus with 1 to 2 Tbs. pesto, or to taste.
BAKED ASPARAGUS WITH Garlic
Follow recipe for Baked Asparagus but omit the garlic powder and replace with 2 finely minced cloves garlic.
Bacon wrapped BAKED ASPARAGUS
Par cook thick bacon (NOT THICK CUT) by lining a plate with a few layers of paper towels. Line with half of the cut bacon in an even layer, and top with a layer of paper towels. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes (check at 3 then continue to microwave if needed. I did 4 minutes). You want the bacon mostly cooked but still soft and PLIABLE. Don’t overcook or it will break when wrapping. Season the asparagus and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap 1 slice of bacon around 2-4 asparagus stalks depending on their thickness to create a bundle. You want the bacon to go up the asparagus so it’s in a single layer. Place the bundle on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Bake until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender.
BAKED ASPARAGUS WITH BACON
Follow recipe for Baked Asparagus except before popping in the oven, sprinkle with 8 slices of thick-cut bacon chopped into 1/2-inch pieces. Bake according to directions.
BAKED ASPARAGUS WITH DIJON MAPLE BUTTER SAUCE
Whisk 1 tablespoon melted butter with 1 tablespoon balsamic, 2 teaspoons Dijon and 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup. Toss roasted asparagus with Dijon Maple sauce after they’ve finished cooking.
CHEESY BAKED ASPARAGUS
Follow recipe for Baked Asparagus, cooking a few minutes under. Push the spears together and sprinkle with 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (more or less). Bake an additional 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Ginger Soy Baked Asparagus
Roast the asparagus for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil and 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or a heaping ¼ teaspoon ground ginger.
Remove the asparagus from the oven and toss with the ginger soy sauce. Continue baking until the asparagus is crisp-tender then sprinkle with 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds.
BAKED ASPARAGUS WITH SRIRACHA & HONEY
Whisk 1 tablespoon honey with ½ tablespoon sriracha. Toss baked asparagus with honey sriracha after they’ve finished cooking.
Cotija Lime Baked Asparagus
Toss the asparagus in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, ground cumin. a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkling of Cotija cheese before baking.
OTHER ADDITIONS
Try tossing finished baked asparagus with:
NUTS FOR CRUNCH: sliced almonds, roasted pecans, toasted pine nuts, etc. OR SEEDS FOR CRUNCH: roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted sunflower seeds, etc. DRIED FRUIT FOR SWEETNESS: craisins, raisins, dried peaches, etc.
How to serve Parmesan Oven Roasted Asparagus
Baked asparagus is a delicious addition to every meal! Try it with:
Fantastic with any protein: fish, shrimp, steak, pork, chicken, etc. Delicious with Italian food: Lasagna, Spaghetti, Chicken Parmesan, Baked Penne, Million Dollar Mac or Shrimp Fettuccine. Cozy with classic comfort food: Beef Brisket, French Dips, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Oven Fried Chicken, Pot Roast, and BBQ Pork. Superb with company favorites: Spice Rubbed Steaks, Beef Tips and Gravy, Garlic Herb Butter Pork Tenderloin and Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Roast Beef, Thanksgiving Turkey, Honey Baked Ham, Maple Glazed Ham, Brown Sugar Ham.
Parmesan Asparagus is fantastic with any protein: fish, shrimp, steak, pork, etc. It also pairs exceptionally well Italian dishes such as Lasagna, Spaghetti, Chicken Parmesan, Baked Penne, Million Dollar Mac or Shrimp Fettuccine.
What to do with leftover Roasted Asparagus
If you are so lucky, you can eat Roasted Parmesan Asparagus plain or it is delicious in risotto, rice, eggs, omelets, quiche, frittatas, savory crepes, pizza, pasta, soups or salads.
How long does Oven Roasted Asparagus last?
Baked Asparagus with Parmesan should be stored in an airtight container the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
How to reheat Asparagus in the Oven
You can reheat Parmesan Asparagus in the microwave at 30 second intervals but be aware that you will end up with mushier asparagus and panko. For best results AKA crisp tender asparagus and crunchier panko, spread asparagus in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for approximately 4 minutes until warmed through.
Can this Roasted Asparagus Recipe be frozen?
Yes you can freeze asparagus either before or after baking without losing any flavor, but it will be missing the firm texture. Thicker stems will hold up better, but still won’t be as crisp. As the asparagus freezes, small ice crystals puncture the cell walls resulting in a somewhat mushy texture. This makes frozen asparagus ideal for adding to casseroles, sauces, quiche, and soups, but not so much for stand-alone adoration.
How to freeze Fresh Asparagus
For the best-frozen asparagus, start with the very freshest asparagus you can get, and work quickly after blanching to reduce mushiness later. Uncooked asparagus needs to be blanched before freezing, to help preserve the color and texture. For cooked asparagus, skip straight to the flash freezing:
Blanch small spears for 2 minutes, medium spears 3 minutes, and large spears 4 minutes by placing in boiling boiling water and transferring to an ice bath. Thoroughly dry the asparagus then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Flash freeze for 1 to 2 hours, then transfer the asparagus to freezer bags or containers. Push out as much air as possible to help preserve the texture. Freeze for up to 10 months.
How to freeze cooked asparagus:
For packaged freezing, place spears into freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. Don’t overpack bags, but work to keep spears in a single layer for quickest freezing. Freeze bags as flatly as possible. Once bags are frozen, pack them into your freezer to maximize space use. For best quality, use frozen asparagus within eight to 12 months
You’ll love Roasted Asparagus in the Oven
Asparagus is a nutrient powerhouse that is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol but high in dietary fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Asparagus is an excellent source of: vitamins A, C, E & K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium and a good source of vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Asparagus is an excellent source of antioxidants which may reduce your risk of chronic disease and potassium which can help lower high blood pressure. Asparagus is also a good source of fiber which promotes digestive health, fights bloating, makes you feel fuller longer and may help reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. So don’t feel bad when you eat the entire pan of Parmesan Baked Asparagus!
LOOKING FOR MORE OVEN ROASTED VEGETABLE RECIPES?
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