Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan Recipe

Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and creates a crispy, caramelized exterior. We'll share how to make roasted asparagus with Parmesan cheese, because everything's better with cheese.

Select your Asparagus

When selecting asparagus, choose spears that are bright green, firm, and straight. Look for tightly closed tips that are not wilted or slimy. Thinner asparagus spears cook faster, while thicker spears have a meatier texture and take longer to cook.

Peak season for asparagus is in April and May, but you may find it from February through June. Green, white, and purple asparagus all work well for roasting.

While thicker asparagus may need a little more time in the oven, I prefer them over spears that are too skinny. Once in a while I'll end with super skinny spears (about the size of a pencil), that are chewy and tough. These are not very tasty.

If you're picking asparagus from the garden…

If you have an asparagus patch of your own, I like to snap off the asparagus stalks instead of cutting them. When you're snapping them off, they naturally break above the tough part of the stem that needs to be trimmed off anyway.

Store fresh asparagus upright in a large cup in the refrigerator, with about an inch of water in the cup. This will help keep your spears from drying out. For best quality, use the spears within a few days of picking.

See “Growing Asparagus – Planting, Care, and Harvesting” for tips.

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan Recipe

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Wash the asparagus under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim off the woody ends of the asparagus by snapping them off with your fingers or using a sharp knife. If using a knife, cut off about an inch from the bottom of the spears.

You can leave the spears whole, or cut them into bite sized pieces. Whole spears look fancier, but bite sized lengths are easier to toss with the seasonings. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Drizzle the asparagus with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 12 – 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears. The asparagus should be tender and lightly browned on the outside when done. You can also test for doneness by inserting a fork or small knife into the thickest part of the spear. If it slides in easily, the asparagus is done.

Remove the asparagus from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the spears. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. I highly recommend freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor.

Remove the baked asparagus from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. You can garnish with lemon wedges, or chopped herbs like parsley or thyme. You can use this same technique to make other roasted vegetables, too. Just try to keep the pieces roughly the same size to match cooking times.

Roasting Tips

• Be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. If you crowd your asparagus, it will steam instead of roast.
• If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute with another type of cheese like feta or goat cheese. Add extra cheese if you like.
• If you need to go dairy free, use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast, try a parmesan style cheese alternative, or stick with your favorite herbs.
• Experiment with different seasonings to create different flavor profiles. Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for a smoky, savory taste.
• If you don't have parchment paper, you can line your pan with foil, but I prefer parchment paper.

Print Friendly Recipe

Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner side dish or an impressive holiday recipe, roasted asparagus with Parmesan cheese is sure to please. This savory and satisfying dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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Serving Ideas

Roasted asparagus with parmesan is a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on what to serve with roasted asparagus:

1. Grilled or roasted meats – Roasted asparagus is a perfect complement to grilled or roasted meats like steak, chicken, lamb, or pork.
2. Fish and seafood – Roasted asparagus pairs well with fish and seafood dishes like salmon, shrimp, or scallops.
3. Pasta – Add to pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti carbonara for extra flavor and nutrition.
4. Rice and grains – Serve roasted asparagus with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous for a filling and healthy meal.
5. Soups and stews – Add roasted asparagus to soups or stews like minestrone or vegetable soup for a nutritious and flavorful addition.
6. Brunch dishes – Serve with brunch dishes like frittatas, omelets, or quiches.

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This article is written by Laurie Neverman. Laurie grew up in the kitchen, learning baking and home cooking from her momma. At age 15, she and her mom and two sisters created Irene’s Custom Cakes & Catering, which was her summer job through most of high school and college. Now she combines old fashioned recipes, garden fresh produce, and cooking for special diets to make tasty, easy to prepare foods. Along with her passion for growing nutrient dense food, she also enjoys ancient history, adorable ducks, and lifelong learning.