Roasted Parmesan Asparagus

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus is a quick, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with just about any main course. Tender-crisp asparagus spears are roasted to perfection and topped with savory, golden-browned Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, elegant way to add fresh vegetables to your meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

fresh asparagus spearsolive oilsaltblack peppergarlic powderParmesan cheeselemon wedges (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Trim the woody ends from the asparagus.

Place the asparagus on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then toss to coat evenly.

Arrange the asparagus in a single layer and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Roast for 12–15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is golden and crisp.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes

Variations

Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Use shredded mozzarella or Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.

Top with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting for extra depth.

Mix in sliced almonds or pine nuts for texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer until warmed and crispy.
Avoid microwaving as it can make the asparagus soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh is best for roasting, but thawed and dried frozen asparagus can work in a pinch.

Do I need to peel the asparagus?
No, just trim the tough ends—the skin is tender when roasted.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and roast before serving.

Why is my asparagus soggy?
Overcrowding the pan or not drying the spears properly can cause steaming instead of roasting.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-shredded versions.

Can I grill instead of roast?
Yes, this recipe works great on the grill—just place asparagus on foil or a grill basket.

Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and keto-friendly.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

How do I choose good asparagus?
Look for firm, bright green spears with closed tips and no wilting.

What goes well with this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with chicken, steak, salmon, or pasta dishes.

Conclusion

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus is an easy, nutritious, and flavorful side that elevates any meal with its crisp texture and cheesy topping. Whether served with a weeknight dinner or a holiday spread, this simple dish brings a fresh burst of flavor to the table—fast, fuss-free, and delicious every time.

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