Name: Parmesan Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound asparagus, trimmed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: zest of ½ lemon

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Introduction

Crispy, golden asparagus with a savory Parmesan crust makes a perfect, no-fuss side dish for any meal. This recipe is quick to roast and stays tender-crisp, with a bright touch of lemon zest that brings out the flavors just before serving.

A tray lined with parchment paper holds 14 bright green asparagus stalks laid side by side in a single layer. Each stalk is thin and shiny, with slightly darker tips and lighter green bases. Thin strands of yellow lemon zest are scattered across the asparagus, along with a light sprinkling of coarse, white salt crystals. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and fresh look. The photo is clear and close-up, focusing on the fresh freshness and texture of the asparagus with simple seasoning photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: zest of ½ lemon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the asparagus.
Step 4: Roast in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the Parmesan is lightly browned and crispy.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and, if using, sprinkle with lemon zest just before serving to add a fresh, bright flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and texture; pre-grated cheese may not crisp as well.
Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before roasting for a subtle heat kick.
Make sure asparagus stalks are similar in thickness for even cooking.
For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan and toss with nutritional yeast and herbs instead.

Storage

Store cooked asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it quickly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the asparagus soggy.

How to Serve

A tray lined with parchment paper holds a single layer of bright green asparagus spears arranged side by side from the bottom left to the top right. Each spear is glossy, showing slight char marks near the tips, which are darker green with a delicate, textured appearance. Thin, curly yellow strips of lemon zest and a fine sprinkling of grated white cheese rest on top of the asparagus, adding contrast in color and texture. The tray sits on a surface with a white marbled texture visible in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the asparagus ahead of time?

Yes, you can trim and toss the asparagus with oil and seasonings up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge and roast fresh when ready to serve.

How do I know when the asparagus is done roasting?

The asparagus should be tender when pierced with a fork and the Parmesan should be golden and crispy. Typically, 10 to 12 minutes at 425°F is ideal, but thinner stalks may cook faster.