Description
A delightful side dish featuring fresh asparagus draped in gooey melted cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for richness)
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Rinse the asparagus thoroughly and trim off the tough, woody ends. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.
- Place the asparagus in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss gently to coat.
- Bake the asparagus uncovered for 7–9 minutes, until they begin to soften while holding their shape.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the asparagus. Add Italian seasoning and drizzle with melted butter if desired.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 6–9 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley, if using, and serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, reduce the cheese or use a low-fat alternative. Feel free to swap Italian seasoning for other herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American