Cheesy Baked Asparagus with Parmesan and Mozzarella Recipe
A quick and delicious way to enjoy asparagus with a cheesy twist. This Cheesy Asparagus recipe bakes tender asparagus spears coated in olive oil and garlic seasoning, topped with a generous blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, then finished off under the oven’s heat until bubbly and golden. Perfect as a side dish or a savory snack ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 bunch asparagus spears (about 1 pound)
Seasonings
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnishes
- red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the asparagus evenly.
- Prepare Asparagus: Trim the woody ends from the asparagus spears, and spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Season Asparagus: Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle garlic salt and black pepper over the spears to season them thoroughly.
- Bake Initially: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the asparagus for 10 minutes, allowing them to become tender and slightly crisp.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Transfer half of the asparagus to a separate tray and sprinkle half of the grated parmesan cheese over them, tossing to coat well. Return them to the baking sheet. Repeat the process with the other half of the asparagus and remaining parmesan cheese. If any parmesan remains, sprinkle it over all the spears on the baking sheet.
- Top With Mozzarella: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Melt Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for added flavor and color before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh asparagus for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust garlic salt according to preference or substitute with fresh minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Keep an eye on the cheese during the final bake step to prevent burning.
- Red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer.
