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My Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus is incredibly easy to make and ready in just 10 minutes! Topped with melty mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and spices, it's my go-to appetizer or side dish that my family loves all year round.
I created this recipe inspired by my love for simple, comforting dishes that bring out the best in fresh ingredients. One day, I had some asparagus on hand and decided to pair it with melty cheese and garlic, it was an instant hit with my family. If you're an asparagus lover like me, you'll also love my vegan asparagus soup, it's another delicious way to enjoy this amazing vegetable.
Most of the time, I keep it simple by roasting asparagus on aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil and spices. But every now and then, I want something a bit more special and indulgent, something that feels like a real treat, and my roasted asparagus recipe checks that box perfectly.
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🥘 Ingredients
My easy cheesy garlic asparagus comes together with just a few simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry. I mean, who can live without staples like parmesan, mozzarella, spices and milk, right?
Fresh Asparagus: I use 2 pounds of fresh, trimmed asparagus and snap off the tough ends. It's the easiest way to make sure only the tender part of the spears is used.
Whole Milk: I love cooking the asparagus in whole milk for a creamy, decadent feel. It's rich but still lighter on fat and calories than heavy cream.
Mozzarella Cheese: I use ½ cup of low-fat shredded mozzarella to keep this dish cheesy but on the healthier side. You can always add more if you're feeling extra indulgent!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded parmesan is a must for the best results, it melts beautifully and adds a creamy, savory finish.
Swaps
Cheese: Sometimes I swap in asiago or gruyere cheese for a different flavor, they're both delicious options!
Milk: You can use heavy cream for an even creamier dish, but keep in mind it will add more calories and fat.
🔪 How to Make
When I say this takes just 10 minutes to make, I'm not kidding. It's really that easy.
Preheat Oven & Trim Asparagus: I start by preheating the oven to 400°F. Then, I wash and trim 2 pounds of asparagus, just bend each spear until it naturally snaps. The bottom part is the tough section, so I discard that and keep the tender top.
Add Asparagus to Baking Dish: I place asparagus in a 9×13 baking dish. It is okay if they are not in a single layer. Then, I drizzle with olive oil, add minced garlic, and top with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and evenly coat.
Add Milk & Cheese: I pour the milk evenly over the asparagus. Then, I sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan over the top. So easy!
Time to Bake: I bake the asparagus in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. To finish, I like to garnish it with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for a little extra flavor, then it's ready to enjoy!
📖 Variations
I love how versatile my roasted asparagus recipe is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or try something new!
Lemon and Herb: I like to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus and sprinkle on some chopped thyme or dill before roasting, it adds such a bright, fresh flavor.
Spicy Kick: When I'm in the mood for some heat, I sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle a little sriracha over the asparagus.
Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, I toss the asparagus with half cup of breadcrumbs a before baking. It comes out golden, crispy, and so delicious.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This is one of my favorite cheesy side dishes or appetizers to make. I love serving it alongside some of my other go-to sides or appetizers for a complete and delicious spread.
Other Sides: I often pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted green beans and potatoes, or even a simple garlic bread for a comforting combo.
Main Dishes: my roasted garlic asparagus dish goes so well with my vegan meatloaf, baked salmon, or my fancy vegan Wellington for a full meal.
Toppings: I love adding red pepper flakes for a little heat or fresh chopped tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: I store leftover cheesy garlic asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, I place the asparagus in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It keeps well for up to 1 month, though the texture may soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating: I reheat the asparagus in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. For extra crispiness, I broil it for a minute or two before serving.
❓Recipe FAQs
How do you trim asparagus?
One way I like to trim asparagus is by cutting right where the stalk changes from white to green. The lower part is always tough, so trimming it off makes a big difference. I prefer to trim each stalk individually to make sure every single one is tender from top to bottom.
How do you know when asparagus is done cooking?
When asparagus is cooked properly, it should be tender but still firm and bright green in color. I always check by bending it, if it snaps in half, it's perfect, but if it bends without snapping, it's overcooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the asparagus and assemble it with the cheese and seasonings ahead of time. I store it in the fridge and bake it just before serving for the best results.
What are some good substitutes for cheese or milk in this recipe?
For a dairy-free version, I like to use plant-based cheese and unsweetened almond or oat milk. Nutritional yeast is another great option, it adds that cheesy flavor without any dairy!
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