Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus Spears (Printable version)

Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic and Parmesan for a savory, crispy side dish perfect for any meal.

# What you need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed

→ Dairy

02 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Oils & Fats

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Seasonings

04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Garnish

08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
09 - Extra shaved Parmesan cheese

# How To:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Arrange trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over asparagus. Sprinkle with minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Roast in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until asparagus is just tender and starting to brown.
05 - Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle grated Parmesan over hot asparagus. Return to oven for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
06 - Transfer to serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra shaved Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The edges of the asparagus get deliciously crispy while the stalks remain tender, creating that perfect textural contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Its my go-to impressive side dish that takes almost zero effort, making weeknight dinners feel special without the extra work.
02 -
  • Never crowd the asparagus on the pan or theyll steam instead of roast, losing that crucial caramelization that makes this dish special.
  • The spears continue cooking from residual heat after leaving the oven, so pull them out when they still have a slight resistance when pierced with a fork.
03 -
  • If your asparagus seems particularly thick, use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer layer from the bottom third of each stalk before roasting.
  • For the most consistent results, arrange all the tips in the same direction and place them toward the center of the baking sheet where the heat is less intense than at the edges.