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Cheesy baked asparagus in a white dish

Cheesy Baked Asparagus

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 145
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Fresh Asparagus trimmed
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella or Gruyère
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • Optional: Lemon wedges and red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Preheat: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season: Place trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and spread in a single layer.
  3. First Bake: Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Add Melty Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella or Gruyère over the asparagus.
  5. Finish: Bake for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the asparagus is tender.
  6. Serve: Garnish with lemon zest or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Trimming Tip: To find the natural snapping point of the asparagus, bend one spear until it breaks; use that as a guide to trim the rest of the bunch with a knife for a uniform look.
  • Avoid Sogginess: Ensure the asparagus is completely dry after washing before adding the olive oil. Excess water will cause the vegetable to steam rather than roast.
  • Cheese Timing: If using thin "pencil" asparagus, add the mozzarella at the same time as the parmesan to ensure the cheese melts before the stalks overcook.
  • Pan Space: Use a large rimmed baking sheet. If the spears are touching or overlapping, they won't get those crispy, charred tips.
  • Flavor Boost: For an extra Mediterranean touch, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest immediately after removing from the oven.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes to maintain the texture of the cheese.