Irresistibly Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crispy asparagus pairs delightfully with melted cheese in this mouthwatering dish that promises to surprise your taste buds.

Every ingredient brings a delectable twist to the classic vegetable side.

Seasonal green spears transform into a luxurious comfort food with minimal effort.

Simple pantry staples create an impressive plate that looks restaurant-worthy.

Sharp cheddar and parmesan dance together, coating each tender asparagus stem with rich, golden goodness.

Nutritious and indulgent, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible vegetable creation.

Why Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe Is A Favorite

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Transform asparagus into a mouthwatering dish with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Creamy, cheesy goodness combines perfectly with tender asparagus, creating an irresistible side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Dining Companion: Pairs beautifully with multiple main courses like roasted chicken, grilled fish, or beef, making it an incredibly adaptable recipe for various meals and gatherings.
• Nutritious Comfort Food Twist: Elevates a healthy vegetable into a crave-worthy dish that sneaks extra nutrients onto your plate while satisfying those cheesy comfort food cravings.

Everything For Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable that serves as the primary foundation of the recipe.

• Heavy Cream: Rich liquid that creates a creamy sauce for the asparagus.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty dairy product that provides a delicious cheesy coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: Hard cheese that adds a sharp and tangy flavor enhancement.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that provide depth and balanced taste to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice ingredient that adds a subtle heat kick.

• Parsley, Thyme: Fresh herbs that contribute a bright and aromatic finishing touch to the baked asparagus.

How To Put Together Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F. A properly heated oven ensures your asparagus will bake to perfection with that golden, crispy goodness.

Step 2: Arrange Asparagus Beautifully

Spread your fresh asparagus spears in a single layer across a baking dish. Give each spear some breathing room so they cook evenly and get that gorgeous roasted look.

Step 3: Create Creamy Magic

• Heavy cream
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Blend everything together until smooth and fragrant.

Step 4: Drench in Creamy Goodness

Pour the luscious cream mixture over the asparagus, making sure every single spear gets a luxurious coating. No spear left behind!

Step 5: Cheese Explosion

• Shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar)
• Grated Parmesan

Cover the asparagus generously – this is not the time to be shy with cheese!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Present your cheesy baked asparagus as a show-stopping side dish. Watch as everyone dives in for seconds!

Smart Moves For Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe

• Select Fresh Asparagus: Choose bright green, firm spears with tight tips for the best texture and flavor.
• Trim Properly: Cut woody ends by snapping naturally or using a knife to ensure tender, delicious asparagus.
• Control Cheese Melt: Use a mix of cheeses for richer flavor and watch closely to prevent burning during baking.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify red pepper flakes to suit personal heat preferences, adding more or less as desired.
• Maximize Nutrition: Keep cooking time short to preserve asparagus nutrients and maintain a crisp, vibrant green color.

Fun Twists To Try On Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace asparagus with zucchini or green beans, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with chili powder for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Herb Garden: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, incorporate fresh rosemary and thyme, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Replace cream with heavy cream, use extra sharp cheddar, add crispy bacon bits, and reduce baking time to maintain a crisp vegetable texture.

Tasty Matches For Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe

• Elevate Cheese-Baked Asparagus Pairing Experience
• Complement Protein Partner: Grilled salmon or roasted chicken perfectly matches the creamy, cheesy asparagus, creating a balanced and luxurious main course with complementary textures and flavors.
• Wine Harmony Strategy: Select crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cut through the richness of the cheese and enhance the asparagus's delicate green notes, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Bread Sidekick Support: Serve crusty sourdough or garlic-rubbed ciabatta to soak up the delicious cream sauce, adding a delightful crunch and helping to balance the dish's creamy consistency.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe Storage Tips

• Seal leftover asparagus in a tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is completely sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Carefully transfer cooled asparagus to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Freezing works best before adding fresh herbs.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place asparagus in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and warm for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture if needed.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe Questions Answered

• What type of asparagus works best for this recipe?

Choose fresh, firm asparagus spears with tight, compact tips. Thick or thin spears both work well, but make sure they’re fresh and vibrant green without any yellowing or wilting.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests shredded cheese like mozzarella, you can experiment with gruyère, cheddar, or fontina. Just ensure the cheese melts nicely and complements the asparagus flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this baked asparagus recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It doesn’t contain any meat products, making it a great side dish or light vegetarian meal option. Just check that your cheese is vegetarian if needed.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy asparagus gratin brings Mediterranean charm to your dinner table with its rich, golden-brown topping. Crisp asparagus spears nestled under melted cheese create a simple yet elegant side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheesy Asparagus Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
• 1 cup cream (heavy or light)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven temperature precisely to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the asparagus.
2. Arrange asparagus spears in a single, uniform layer within a baking dish, maximizing even heat distribution.
3. Craft a luxurious cream mixture by whisking together cream, finely minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until thoroughly integrated.
4. Cascade the cream mixture methodically over the asparagus, guaranteeing complete and consistent coverage of each spear.
5. Lavishly distribute shredded cheese across the surface, creating a rich, melty blanket that will transform the vegetable.
6. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese, introducing a sharp, nutty dimension to the dish.
7. Transfer the prepared baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing 25-30 minutes of roasting until the cheese transforms into a golden, effervescent crust.
8. Extract the dish carefully, permitting a brief cooling period to stabilize the molten cheese and intense flavors.
9. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or thyme, adding a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before serving this decadent side dish.

Notes

• Choose tender, fresh asparagus with bright green color and firm stalks for the best texture and flavor.
• Trim woody ends carefully by snapping or cutting to ensure only the most delicate part is used in the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, mozzarella, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles.
• Make this dish low-carb and keto-friendly by using heavy cream and full-fat cheeses without modifications.
• Adjust baking time based on asparagus thickness – thinner spears need less time to prevent overcooking and becoming mushy.
• Add protein by sprinkling crispy bacon bits or sliced almonds on top for extra crunch and flavor dimension.
• Create a dairy-free version using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of traditional dairy products.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 514 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg