Name: Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Asparagus: 1 bunch fresh asparagus (trimmed) Seasonings: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Cheese Topping: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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If you’re searching for a vibrant veggie side that everyone at the table will race to grab seconds of, let me introduce you to Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus. This crave-worthy dish features tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection, drenched in garlicky olive oil, and finished with a golden, bubbly blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, but tastes like something you’d find at your favorite bistro. The contrast of crisp-tender asparagus and gooey cheese will instantly win over even the most hesitant veggie eaters!

Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to bring Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus to life, but each one truly pulls its weight. Fresh asparagus, savory cheeses, and a bold hit of garlic meld together for a dish that’s simple, yet completely unforgettable.

Fresh Asparagus: Trim the woody ends for the perfect bite and vivid green color every time.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick, ensuring those edges crisp up deliciously.
Garlic (minced): The star of the flavor show, lending a punch of peppery warmth and aroma.
Black Pepper: Brings just the right touch of background heat for a kick without overpowering the dish.
Onion Powder: A sprinkle enhances natural sweetness and creates incredible savory depth.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the asparagus, giving you that irresistible, gooey pull.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and perfect for a broiled, golden finish.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Take out a sturdy baking sheet and line it with parchment paper—this not only saves you on cleanup but also helps the asparagus roast evenly and prevents sticking. Trimming the tough ends from your asparagus ensures every spear is perfectly tender.

Step 2: Season and Toss

Arrange the asparagus spears in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle the minced garlic, black pepper, and onion powder over the top. Give everything a gentle toss right on the pan, making sure every spear gets a little oil and seasoning love.

Step 3: Roast the Asparagus

Slide the tray into your hot oven and roast for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on things—the goal is to roast the asparagus just until it turns a deeper green and becomes fork-tender with edges that start to sizzle and brown. Overcooking can make asparagus mushy, so check at the 12-minute mark for thinner spears.

Step 4: The Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus Finale

Now for the magic! Pull out your tray and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan all over the roasted asparagus. Return the tray to your oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling, with golden spots on top. That’s when you know your Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus is ready to serve!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Garnishes

Just before serving, a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright pop that wakes up all the flavors in Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus. For extra color and flair, sprinkle on a little chopped parsley or fresh basil. If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus pairs beautifully with a wide variety of mains. Serve it alongside roasted salmon, seared steaks, or grilled chicken for a classic dinner combo. It’s also delicious next to a fluffy risotto or as part of a vegetarian feast with quinoa or lentil salads. The dish is equally at home on a holiday table or a simple weeknight plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, stack the cheesy asparagus spears on a pretty platter and finish with extra Parmesan shavings. You can also chop leftovers and toss them into a frittata or fold into a warm grain bowl. If you’re hosting, try serving Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus crostini-style on toasted baguette slices for a fun appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep the flavors and textures of Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus at their best, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll hold up well for up to three days, making it easy to stretch this tasty side into another meal or snack.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may cause the asparagus to become softer and the cheese topping to separate when thawed. If you do need to freeze it, wrap tightly and use within one month for best results.

Reheating

For the crispiest cheese and most satisfying texture, reheat leftovers on a baking sheet in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 5-7 minutes. You can also reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the asparagus soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus for Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus?

Fresh asparagus truly delivers the best flavor and texture here, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Just thaw completely and pat dry before roasting to help avoid excess moisture and ensure proper browning.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Absolutely! Try Gruyère or provolone for different flavor profiles, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for more tang. Mixing and matching cheeses can make Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus uniquely your own.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. There are plenty of vegan shreds and grated “Parm” substitutes available now, so your Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus can suit any dietary need.

Does this work on the grill instead of in the oven?

Yes, grilling adds a smoky dimension! Place seasoned asparagus on a grill pan and cook over medium-high heat for a few minutes, then top with cheese and let melt under the grill cover until bubbly.

What’s the best way to trim asparagus?

Hold a spear by both ends and bend until it snaps—the natural breaking point separates the tender part from the woody end. Line up the rest and trim to match for even cooking in your Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus recipe truly transforms a simple vegetable into something unforgettable—craveable, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it wins a spot in your regular rotation. Happy roasting!

Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

A delicious and easy recipe for Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus that makes a perfect side dish. Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic and topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Ingredients

Asparagus:

1 bunch fresh asparagus (trimmed)

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Cheese Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare asparagus: Arrange trimmed asparagus on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle garlic, black pepper, and onion powder. Toss to coat.
Roast: Roast for 12–15 minutes until tender.
Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Bake for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve: Serve hot.