Tuscan Cheese-Crusted Asparagus

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Tuscan Cheese-Crusted Asparagus is a delightful twist on a classic vegetable, perfect for a cozy dinner or a fancy gathering. With its crispy, cheesy crust and a hint of lemon zest, this dish elevates asparagus to a whole new level.

Ingredients for Tuscan Cheese-Crusted Asparagus

Asparagus is the star of this dish, offering a tender yet slightly crisp texture. The olive oil helps the asparagus achieve a perfect roast while adding richness. Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty flavor that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Garlic powder adds a subtle depth without overpowering. Salt and black pepper enhance all the natural flavors, and the lemon zest provides a refreshing contrast to the savory elements.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
  • Keep an eye on the asparagus in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
  • If your Parmesan is too powdery, it might not crisp up as well; freshly grated is best.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, alongside poached eggs or quiche. For a vegetarian meal, serve it with a hearty grain salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen asparagus?
It's not recommended, as fresh asparagus gives the best texture and flavor. Frozen may become too mushy.
What if I don't have lemon zest?
Lemon juice can be used, but add it after serving to prevent the asparagus from becoming soggy.

Tuscan Cheese-Crusted Asparagus Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that's warming up, trim the woody ends off your asparagus spears. This is important because those ends are tough and not pleasant to chew. Once trimmed, toss the asparagus in a large bowl with the olive oil. Make sure every spear is nicely coated, as this helps the cheese stick and gives the asparagus a lovely roasted finish.

Next, in a separate bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This creates a deliciously savory topping that will form a magical crust in the oven. Place your asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper — this makes for easy cleanup and ensures nothing sticks.

Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the asparagus. Be generous, but make sure to spread it out so each piece gets some cheesy goodness. Pop the tray into your preheated oven, and let it roast for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is golden brown and the asparagus is tender.

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the lemon zest over the top. This last step adds a touch of brightness that complements the rich, cheesy flavors. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • A perfect blend of savory, cheesy flavors with a fresh citrus zing.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
  • Great as a side dish or a standalone snack.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh asparagus
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon zest

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears.
3. In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, ensuring even coating.
4. In a separate bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the asparagus.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and the asparagus is tender.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle lemon zest over the top before serving.

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