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Cheesy Baked Asparagus


 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or a mixture of Parmesan and sharp cheddar)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Optional Toppings

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Red pepper flakes

Optional Dipping Sauces

  • Hollandaise sauce
  • Lemon-garlic aioli
  • Balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  3. Rinse the asparagus and pat it completely dry.
  4. Trim the woody ends by snapping one stalk where it naturally breaks, then trim the remaining asparagus to the same length.
  5. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Drizzle with the avocado oil and season with the garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
  7. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the asparagus.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  9. Let rest for 3 minutes.
  10. Finish with the lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

  • Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  • Air fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.
  • Microwave: Not recommended, as it softens the asparagus and cheese.

Tips

  • Dry the asparagus thoroughly before roasting to help it brown instead of steam.
  • Freshly grate the cheese for the best melting and crisp edges.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Very thick asparagus spears may need 2–3 extra minutes of cooking time or can be peeled on the lower half for a more tender texture.
  • Add sliced almonds or chopped pecans before baking for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs well with:

  • Grilled steak
  • Roast chicken
  • Baked salmon
  • Pork chops
  • Holiday dinners

Serve with hollandaise sauce, garlic aioli, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Oven Temperature: 400°F (200°C)