Have you ever tasted a dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring? Imagine tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with nutty parmesan cheese. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will entice your senses and get your mouth watering. This Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making it an ideal side for any meal or a delightful snack on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this delicious side dish in under 30 minutes.
Health Benefits: Asparagus is packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Incorporating this nutritious vegetable into your diet can improve digestion and support overall health while the parmesan adds flavor without too many extra calories.
Versatile Side Dish: This Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus pairs beautifully with various main dishes. Whether you’re serving chicken, fish, or a hearty vegetarian entrée, this side will complement your meal perfectly.
Aesthetic Appeal: The bright green color of the asparagus combined with the golden-brown cheese creates an eye-catching presentation that will impress your guests. It’s not just food; it’s art on a plate!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm green stalks with tightly closed tips for the best flavor.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps enhance the flavors of the asparagus.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh parmesan provides a savory kick; avoid pre-grated options for better melting.
- Garlic Powder: This adds depth to the flavor profile; feel free to use fresh garlic if preferred.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the asparagus.
How to Make Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures that your asparagus roasts evenly and develops a nice caramelization.
Prepare the Asparagus: Rinse your fresh asparagus thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the tough ends of each spear—about an inch from the bottom should do it—to ensure tenderness.
Add Seasoning: Place the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over them and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly across. Toss gently until all spears are coated in seasoning.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Generously sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the seasoned asparagus. Be sure every piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness!
Roast in Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for about 15-20 minutes until tender and lightly browned—the cheese should be bubbly and golden.
Serve Immediately: Transfer your roasted asparagus to a serving platter immediately after removing from the oven. Enjoy hot as a delightful side dish or tasty snack!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Selecting Fresh Asparagus: Choose thin stalks for tenderness or thicker ones if you prefer more crunch. The color should be vibrant green without any wilting.
Avoid Overcrowding on Baking Sheet: Make sure there’s enough space between each spear while roasting; overcrowded pieces may steam instead of roast properly.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices like red pepper flakes or lemon zest for an extra zing! Customize according to your taste preferences.
Storage Suggestions: Store leftover roasted asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat quickly in an oven or microwave before serving again.
Baking Time Adjustment: Depending on thickness, check doneness earlier than suggested—thicker stalks might require additional roasting time while thinner ones cook faster.
Enjoy making this delightful Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus! It’s sure to become a favorite at your table!
Serve this dish as part of a charcuterie board. Arrange roasted asparagus alongside cheeses, olives, and cured meats for a colorful appetizer spread that’s perfect for entertaining. This combination not only looks stunning but also provides a variety of flavors that guests will love.
FAQs
What is the best way to store leftover Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus?
To store leftover Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I make Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus ahead of time. Simply roast it as instructed and allow it to cool before storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
What are some variations of Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus?
There are many delicious variations of Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus! You can add garlic powder or lemon zest before roasting for added flavor.
Is Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus is perfect for meal prep due to its versatility and ease of preparation. You can roast a large batch at once, then divide it into portions to enjoy throughout the week.
Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Spring Parmesan Roasted Asparagus is a vibrant and delicious side dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring. This recipe features tender asparagus spears roasted until golden brown, drizzled with rich olive oil, and topped with nutty parmesan cheese for an irresistible flavor combination. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The bright green asparagus not only adds color to your plate but also offers a delightful crunch with every bite. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as part of a charcuterie board, this dish is sure to impress your guests and elevate any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the asparagus and trim off the tough ends.
- Arrange the asparagus on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; toss to coat evenly.
- Evenly sprinkle grated parmesan over the asparagus.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 135g)
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
