Cheesy Baked Asparagus

This Cheesy Baked Asparagus is a fast, flavorful side dish that turns simple asparagus into something spectacular. Roasted until tender-crisp and bubbling with melted cheese and savory seasoning, it’s the perfect blend of fresh and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it with weeknight chicken or a holiday roast, this dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

The first time I made Cheesy Baked Asparagus, I was trying to convince my daughter that vegetables could be delicious. I topped fresh asparagus with garlic, cheese, and baked it until golden. When it came out of the oven, bubbling and crispy at the edges, my husband didn’t even wait for dinner—he grabbed a piece straight from the pan. And my daughter? She took one bite and said, “Wait… I actually like asparagus now!” It’s been a dinnertime favorite ever since.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Baked Asparagus

• Quick & Easy – ready in 20 minutes

• Crisp-Tender Veggies with golden, melty cheese

• Great with Any Main Dish – from chicken to steak

• Kid-Friendly Way to Enjoy Greens

Ingredients Notes For Cheesy Baked Asparagus

• Fresh Asparagus: Trimmed; thick or thin stalks work—just adjust baking time

• Olive Oil: Helps it roast beautifully

• Garlic Powder or Fresh Garlic: Adds bold flavor

• Salt & Pepper: Season simply but generously

• Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: The perfect melty + crispy combo

• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little heat

• Lemon Zest (Optional): Adds brightness to balance the richness

Recipe Steps

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.

2. Prep the Asparagus: Trim tough ends and place spears in a single layer on the baking sheet.

3. Season: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the top. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a kick.

5. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until asparagus is tender and cheese is melted and golden.

6. Serve: Garnish with lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheat: Best in the oven or air fryer to keep it crisp

• Freezer: Not recommended—texture may become mushy

Variations & Substitutions

• Add Bacon Bits for smoky flavor

• Use Cheddar or Gruyère instead of mozzarella

• Top with Breadcrumbs before baking for extra crunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? Prep everything ahead, but bake right before serving for best texture.

Can I use frozen asparagus? Fresh is best—frozen tends to release more water and gets soggy.

How do I know when asparagus is done? It should be fork-tender but still have a little snap.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus

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Course: Side Dish

Kitchen: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 1 bunch about 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ ¼ cup 0.12 lbs grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ Optional garnish: chopped parsley lemon zest, or red pepper flakes

Instructions

• Preheat Oven:
• Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• Prep the Asparagus:
• Place trimmed asparagus on the baking sheet.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Toss to coat and spread into a single layer.
• Bake:
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until asparagus is tender but still has a slight bite.
• Add Cheese:
• Remove from oven and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the asparagus.
• Return to oven and bake for another 3–5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve:
• Garnish with optional parsley, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Serve warm as a side dish to steak, chicken, fish, or pasta.