Parmesan Topped Asparagus
A tender asparagus dish topped with melted butter, parmesan cheese, and seasoned with salt and pepper, perfect as an elegant side or light main dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Arrange spears in a shallow ovenproof serving dish.
- Pour melted butter over asparagus.
- Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose fresh asparagus with firm, vibrant green stalks. If you prefer a different flavor, try substituting the Parmesan with a sharp cheddar or a nutty Gruyère. To ensure even cooking, avoid overlapping the asparagus when arranging them in the dish. Blanching before baking enhances the color and texture while maintaining crunch. If you enjoy Mediterranean recipes, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Parmesan Topped Asparagus as a delightful side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted potatoes. It pairs beautifully with Potato-Stuffed Tomatoes for a hearty meal. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color. This dish also complements a zesty Tzatziki(Cucumber Yogurt Dip) as a refreshing dip for a complete vegetarian spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Parmesan Topped Asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain the texture and flavor without making it soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Topped Asparagus contains roughly 64 calories, with 6g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1917mg per serving (83% 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 frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
While fresh asparagus is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen asparagus. Just skip the blanching step and adjust your baking time as frozen asparagus may cook faster. Make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in your dish.
What cheese alternatives can I use?
If you're looking for alternatives to Parmesan, consider Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Both will provide a similar umami kick that complements the asparagus beautifully, ensuring your dish remains delicious and satisfying.
How do I know when the asparagus is done baking?
The asparagus is done when it is tender and slightly browned on the tips, which usually takes about 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You can test for doneness by piercing a stalk with a fork; it should be easily pierced but still have a bit of crunch.
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).