Simply Perfect Baked Asparagus with Lemon & Parmesan
Craving a vibrant side? This baked asparagus recipe with lemon & Parmesan is quick, easy, and utterly delicious! Ready in under 20 minutes. Get the recipe! ... Quick & Wholesome
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of green goodness on your plate? this baked asparagus recipe is proper tasty. it combines that fresh asparagus flavour with zingy lemon and salty parmesan.
Honestly, what's not to love?
Brief Overview
Baked asparagus has been a staple for yonks. it's naturally from the med and later discovered by the uk to become a simple, delicious way to enjoy the vegetable.
Our version is easy peasy. it takes only 20 minutes start to finish. this recipe makes 4 servings. it's just the right amount for a family dinner!
Main Benefits
Asparagus is packed with vitamins. it's a good source of fibre, too. the baked asparagus with parmesan cheese makes a perfect side for any meal.
It's quick enough for a weekday but posh enough for sunday roast.
Let's talk ingredients...
Ready to get started? here's what you'll need. we're using a pound of fresh asparagus. this makes a lovely asparagus side dish recipe .
You'll also need some olive oil, a lemon, and parmesan cheese. don't forget salt and pepper. a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you're feeling brave.
Equipment You'll Need
You only need a few bits and bobs for this oven baked asparagus . grab a baking sheet and a mixing bowl.
A zester for the lemon is handy. a lemon juicer helps, but you can squeeze it by hand if you have to.
I hate doing dishes so less is more for me.
Let's Get Cooking: Simple Steps
Preheat your oven to 400° f ( 200° c) . trim the woody ends off the asparagus. i usually just snap them off.
They break naturally where they're tough. then, toss the asparagus with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Spread it out on the baking sheet. bake for 12- 15 minutes . keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.
Tasty Variations
Want to jazz it up? add some minced garlic. a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking is lush. for a vegan option, skip the parmesan.
Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.
Simply Perfect Baked Asparagus with Lemon & Parmesan Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. We're making this Baked Asparagus With Parmesan Cheese recipe. Honestly, it’s easier than making toast. This simple baked asparagus will wow everyone.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need, sharpish.
- 1 pound ( 450g ) fresh asparagus, trimmed. Look for firm, bright green spears.
- 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) olive oil. Extra virgin is best, innit?
- 1 lemon , zested and juiced (about 1 tablespoon juice). Fresh is always key!
- ¼ cup ( 25g ) grated Parmesan cheese. Proper stuff, mind you. Not that dodgy pre-grated stuff.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
I like to toss everything together in one go. It makes life easier.
Seasoning Notes
Lemon and parmesan are the stars here. Honestly, it’s a match made in heaven. A bit of salt and pepper enhances everything.
If you're feeling fancy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives it a lovely warmth. No worries if you don't have red pepper flakes, it's also yummy as is.
Equipment Needed
Right, tools of the trade.
- Baking sheet. Get your oven baked asparagus ready.
- Mixing bowl. Nothing too posh, just something to chuck everything in.
- Zester. For that lovely lemon zest.
- Lemon juicer (optional). Hands work just fine, too!
No need for fancy equipment. a baking sheet and a bowl are all you really need. it's really an easy asparagus recipe .
You can also find variations for parmesan lemon asparagus . i’ve made this a hundred times! it’s my go-to asparagus side dish recipe .
This quick asparagus recipe is a life saver.
Simply Perfect Baked Asparagus with Lemon & Parmesan
Right then, let's get cracking with a "proper" baked asparagus recipe that's dead easy. honestly, you'll be saying goodbye to boring veg sides for good! we are talking about a simple baked asparagus side dish that will change your point of view! forget limp greens; this is all about tender-crisp deliciousness.
This is really one of those easy asparagus recipes that anyone can master.
Prep Steps Sorted
First things first, mise en place , yeah? chop the woody ends off your asparagus. it will naturally snap where it's tough.
Zest and juice that lemon. get your parmesan grated. ta-dah! it's all prepped. for a speedier dinner another time, prep the asparagus ahead.
Just don't dress it until you're ready to bake! oven safety, remember to keep those oven gloves handy, yeah?
Nailed It: Step-by-Step
Here's how to get the best oven baked asparagus :
- Heat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Get it nice and toasty!
- Snap the tough ends off the asparagus.
- In a bowl, bung the asparagus with 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, juice from 1 lemon , ¼ cup grated Parmesan, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Get it all nicely coated.
- Lay the asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer. Don't overcrowd it!
- Bake for 12- 15 minutes . You want it tender-crisp and slightly browned. Watch it like a hawk!
- Serve immediately. This would be a great Asparagus Side Dish Recipe for a quick bite.
Pro Tips for Asparagus Perfection
A great tip is always use high quality parmesan like parmigiano reggiano, it makes a real difference. the powdered stuff just won't cut it.
Common mistake? overcooking! aim for tender-crisp . use these tips for the most flavourful parmesan lemon asparagus ever!. you can even turn this into an asparagus gratin recipe by topping with more cheese and broiling for a minute or two!
Honestly, once you get this recipe down, you'll be making it all the time. it is such a quick asparagus recipe .
It's one of those things. give it a try! i swear down you will not regret it!
Recipe Notes for Your Simply Perfect Baked Asparagus
Right then, let's chat about this baked asparagus recipe a bit more. these are the little things i've learned that'll really help you nail it.
I honestly think oven baked asparagus is one of the easiest ways to get your veggies in.
How to Plate Your Parmesan Lemon Asparagus
Presentation matters, innit? serve this asparagus side dish recipe on a nice platter. a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a lemon wedge looks fancy.
It pairs amazingly well with grilled chicken or fish. you could even serve it with a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc.
Delish!
Storing Your Leftover Asparagus Gratin Recipe
If you, by some miracle, have leftovers, here's what to do. first, refrigerate in an airtight container. they'll be good for about 3 days.
Freezing isn't really recommended – it goes a bit soggy. to reheat, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick.
Or, you can warm it up in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 5 minutes.
Twists on the Classic Baked Asparagus With Parmesan Cheese
Fancy a change? swap the parmesan for pecorino romano. it gives it a slightly sharper flavour. if you are on the vegan side of life, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
Sprinkle it on before baking for that cheesy goodness. you know, easy asparagus recipes are all about making it your own.
Quick Asparagus Recipe : Nutrition Nuggets
This roasted asparagus recipe is not only delicious, but pretty good for you too. asparagus is low in calories. it's a good source of vitamins k and a.
The lemon adds some vitamin c. the parmesan is a source of protein. all in all, a pretty healthy side dish.
You get me?
So there you have it. A simple baked asparagus dish that’s easy, tasty, and good for you. Now, go on and give it a go. I'm sure you’ll absolutely smash it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my baked asparagus is done? I don't want it soggy!
Ah, avoiding the dreaded soggy asparagus is key! The asparagus should be tender-crisp. This means you should be able to easily pierce it with a fork, but it should still have a slight bite. Start checking it around 12 minutes, and remember, like a good cuppa, it's better to err on the side of slightly underdone.
Can I prepare this baked asparagus recipe ahead of time?
You can certainly prep some of the ingredients in advance. Trim the asparagus and toss it with the olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper up to a few hours before baking. However, it's best to add the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese right before putting it in the oven to prevent the asparagus from getting soggy. Think of it like assembling a salad – you wouldn't dress it hours before serving!
What's the best way to store leftover baked asparagus? And how long will it last?
Store any leftover baked asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days, though it’s best eaten sooner rather than later. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave, but be warned, reheating can sometimes make it a bit softer, so perhaps enjoy it cold in a salad instead – waste not, want not!
I don't have Parmesan cheese; can I use something else for this baked asparagus recipe?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a lovely nutty, umami flavour, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano. For a vegan option, nutritional yeast provides a similar cheesy flavour, but remember, it will lack the richness of Parmesan. You could even use a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for some added texture – get creative!
Can I use thicker asparagus spears? Will I need to adjust the baking time for this baked asparagus recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use thicker asparagus spears! However, you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Thicker spears will take longer to cook, so add a few extra minutes to the baking time and keep an eye on them. Aim for that tender-crisp consistency; start checking after 15 minutes and add more time as needed.
Is this baked asparagus recipe healthy?
You betcha! Asparagus is naturally low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin K and folate. The olive oil provides healthy fats, and Parmesan adds a boost of calcium. Just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you're watching your salt intake – you can always use a low-sodium Parmesan or adjust the amount of salt you add. It's a balanced side that's good for you and tastes great, too!
