Cheesy Baked Asparagus – A Quick and Delicious Veggie Upgrade

This Cheesy Baked Asparagus is the perfect side for any meal—tender stalks of asparagus roasted to perfection and topped with melty cheese, garlic, and a sprinkle of seasoning. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that comes together in minutes and adds a burst of flavor and color to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Low Carb, Big Flavor: A lighter side that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Perfectly Roasted: Tender asparagus with crispy, cheesy topping.
Crowd-Pleaser: Goes with everything from grilled meats to pasta dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: lemon zest or red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Asparagus

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Bake

• Roast asparagus for 10 minutes, or until just tender.

Add Cheese and Broil

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the asparagus.
• Return to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Serve

• Garnish with lemon zest or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 90
• Carbs: 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Tips for Success

• Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips.
• Don’t Overcook: Asparagus should be tender but still slightly crisp.
• Cheese Matters: Use a sharp mozzarella or add a bit of Gruyère for deeper flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: A few pantry staples turn fresh asparagus into something special.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat easily as part of lunch or dinner.
• Low Effort, High Reward: Minimal prep with a restaurant-style finish.
• Great for All Diets: Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to different preferences.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus is the ultimate side dish for any occasion—quick to prepare, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy. It pairs beautifully with everything from chicken to pasta, or even works as a light main dish with a salad. This recipe is proof that healthy sides can be anything but boring.