Name: Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients: Fresh Asparagus: The star of the show! Choose firm, bright green asparagus spears. About 1.5 to 2 pounds will serve 4-6 people generously. Look for spears that are similar in thickness for even cooking. Thicker spears are great for roasting as they hold their texture well and become wonderfully tender-crisp.; Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential. It adds flavor, helps the asparagus roast beautifully, and prevents sticking. Olive oil also contributes healthy fats to the dish, making it not only delicious but also more nutritious.; Grated Parmesan Cheese: The key to that irresistible cheesy, savory flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and melting quality. Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose which can hinder proper melting and crisping in the oven. Parmesan provides a salty, umami-rich flavor that perfectly complements the mild sweetness of asparagus.; Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle but noticeable savory depth. Garlic powder is convenient and disperses evenly. You could also use fresh minced garlic, but garlic powder provides a more consistent flavor profile in this quick roasting method.; Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the asparagus perfectly. Kosher salt or sea salt are great choices for their clean taste. Salt is crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of the asparagus and balancing the richness of the parmesan.; Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its vibrant aroma and flavor. Pepper complements the saltiness of the parmesan and adds a subtle warmth.; Optional Lemon Juice (Fresh): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after roasting brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish. Lemon juice cuts through the richness of the parmesan and adds a refreshing counterpoint.

Ingredients

Fresh Asparagus: The star of the show! Choose firm, bright green asparagus spears. About 1.5 to 2 pounds will serve 4-6 people generously. Look for spears that are similar in thickness for even cooking. Thicker spears are great for roasting as they hold their texture well and become wonderfully tender-crisp.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential. It adds flavor, helps the asparagus roast beautifully, and prevents sticking. Olive oil also contributes healthy fats to the dish, making it not only delicious but also more nutritious.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The key to that irresistible cheesy, savory flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and melting quality. Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose which can hinder proper melting and crisping in the oven. Parmesan provides a salty, umami-rich flavor that perfectly complements the mild sweetness of asparagus.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle but noticeable savory depth. Garlic powder is convenient and disperses evenly. You could also use fresh minced garlic, but garlic powder provides a more consistent flavor profile in this quick roasting method.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the asparagus perfectly. Kosher salt or sea salt are great choices for their clean taste. Salt is crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of the asparagus and balancing the richness of the parmesan.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its vibrant aroma and flavor. Pepper complements the saltiness of the parmesan and adds a subtle warmth.
Optional Lemon Juice (Fresh): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after roasting brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish. Lemon juice cuts through the richness of the parmesan and adds a refreshing counterpoint.

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Instructions

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Asparagus: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is perfect for roasting asparagus quickly and achieving that desirable tender-crisp texture. While the oven is preheating, prepare your asparagus. Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Snap off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus. To do this easily, hold a spear near the base and bend it gently – it will naturally snap at the point where the tender part begins. Discard the tough ends or save them for making vegetable broth if you are resourceful!
Toss Asparagus with Olive Oil and Seasonings: In a large bowl, place the prepared asparagus spears. Drizzle generously with olive oil, ensuring that all the spears are lightly coated. This is important for even roasting and preventing the asparagus from drying out. Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the asparagus. Toss everything together using your hands or tongs to ensure the seasonings are distributed thoroughly and every spear is nicely coated with oil and spices. Properly coating the asparagus is key for maximizing flavor in every bite.
Arrange Asparagus on a Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned asparagus spears in a single layer on a baking sheet. It’s crucial to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will cause the asparagus to steam rather than roast, resulting in soggy asparagus instead of crispy and tender spears. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure the asparagus has enough space to roast properly. Arranging them in a single layer allows for optimal heat circulation and even cooking.
Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese: Once the asparagus is arranged on the baking sheet, generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the spears. Make sure each spear gets a good coating of parmesan, as this is what creates that delicious cheesy crust and flavor. Don’t be shy with the parmesan – it’s what makes this dish so incredibly tasty!
Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 8-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the Parmesan cheese is melted and golden brown. The exact roasting time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus spears. Thinner spears will cook faster than thicker ones. Keep an eye on the asparagus and check for doneness after 8 minutes. You want the asparagus to be bright green and slightly tender with a bit of bite, not mushy. The parmesan should be bubbly and lightly browned.
Optional Lemon Juice and Serve: Once the asparagus is roasted to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven. If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted asparagus for a bright, zesty finish. This is optional but highly recommended as it really elevates the flavors. Serve immediately while hot and the Parmesan is still melty and delicious. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when it’s at its peak of flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 100
Fat: 8
Fiber: 3
Protein: 5