Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus Spears
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly tender asparagus spears with crispy garlic and a cheesy Parmesan finish, ideal as a flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, thin to medium thickness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (about 50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: zest of ½ lemon
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rinse asparagus spears under cold water and pat dry thoroughly. Trim the woody ends by bending each spear until it snaps and discard the tough ends.
- In a mixing bowl, combine asparagus with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or parchment paper, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Check around 8 minutes for crisping tips and lightly browned edges. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot asparagus. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly.
- Optionally, zest half a lemon over the top or sprinkle red pepper flakes for added flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Pat asparagus dry thoroughly before roasting. Use fresh garlic for best flavor but avoid burning it. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving leftovers as it makes them soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (150 gra
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: asparagus, roasted asparagus, garlic asparagus, Parmesan asparagus, easy side dish, quick vegetable recipe, healthy side, gluten-free, low-carb