Baked Fresh Asparagus
A delicious baked asparagus dish featuring a buttery, cheesy topping with crunchy bread crumbs and aromatic herbs, perfect for a flavorful side or light main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put melted butter in a shallow 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the fresh asparagus spears in the dish.
- Combine chopped onion, chopped celery, grated cheese, bread crumbs, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the asparagus.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose firm, bright green asparagus spears. If you don't have fresh asparagus, frozen can work but will yield a softer texture. Feel free to substitute the cheese based on your preference; Gouda or feta also make excellent choices. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can enhance the flavors. Keep an eye on the baking time, as thinner asparagus will cook faster.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked asparagus as a delightful side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Gooey Butter Squares for a sweet finish. Consider adding a fresh salad or some roasted potatoes for a complete dinner. This dish also complements vegetarian recipes, making it a versatile choice for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, but this may soften the asparagus more than baking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Fresh Asparagus contains roughly 174 calories, with 8g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (278% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 675mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily incorporate other vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different vegetables may require varying bake times. Mixing vegetables can create a colorful and nutritious dish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?
Covering the dish helps to retain moisture and steam the asparagus, ensuring it cooks evenly. If you prefer a crispier top, you can uncover it for the last 10 minutes of baking. This will give the breadcrumbs a lovely golden color and added texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).