Prepare to have your taste buds absolutely SHAKEN UP, my fellow food fanatics! I’m Chef Max, the bold culinary rebel behind Maxivore.com, and I’m about to show you how to transform ordinary asparagus into an EPIC, flavor-packed masterpiece. This Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus is about to blow your mind – get ready for an explosion of taste that will leave you craving more!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Asparagus is a total superfood, but let’s be honest – sometimes it can be a little boring. Not anymore, my friends! With the incredible flavors of roasted garlic, nutty Parmesan, and a drizzle of lemon, this dish is about to become your new go-to side that will have everyone begging for seconds (and thirds!). The best part? It comes together in a snap, making it the ultimate easy and crowd-pleasing recipe.
Ingredients
Get ready for an EPIC flavor explosion, because the ingredients in this dish are about to rock your world. You’ll need fresh, vibrant asparagus, along with the unstoppable combo of roasted garlic and tangy Parmesan cheese. A touch of lemon juice and zest adds a bright, refreshing note to balance out the richness. The result? A side dish that’s truly out of this world!
- 1 lb – Fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 3 cloves – Garlic, roasted
- 1/2 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- 1 tbsp – Lemon juice, plus zest of 1 lemon
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap in crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Herbs: Use fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley instead of lemon.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – time to work some culinary magic in the kitchen! This recipe is so easy, you’ll be in and out in no time. First, we’ll roast the garlic to bring out its incredible, sweet and savory flavor. Then, we’ll toss the asparagus with olive oil, Parmesan, lemon, and all those delicious roasted garlic bits. The final result is an INSANE side dish that’s going to have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil and toss to coat.
Step 2: Roast the Garlic
Cut the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil and wrap tightly in foil. Place the garlic packet on the baking sheet alongside the asparagus. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and the garlic is soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Unwrap the roasted garlic and squeeze the cloves out of their skins. Mash the garlic with a fork and add it to the asparagus. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and toss everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Drizzle the lemon juice over the asparagus and grate the zest of one lemon on top. Give it a final toss to distribute the flavors evenly. Serve hot and enjoy the EPIC flavor explosion!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Garnish: For an extra crunchy texture, top the asparagus with crispy pancetta or bacon bits.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle on some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed almonds for an irresistible texture.
- Flavor Base: Serve the Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy quinoa to make it a complete meal.
- Spicy Twist: Amp up the heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until hot and crispy.
Make-Ahead: You can roast the garlic and prep the asparagus up to 2 days in advance. When ready to serve, simply toss everything together and bake.
Nutrition Information
This Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse! Asparagus is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall well-being. The roasted garlic provides anti-inflammatory properties, while the Parmesan cheese adds a boost of protein. And with just a touch of healthy fats from the olive oil, this side is a total nutritional superstar. Enjoy every delicious bite, my friends – your body will thank you!
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 134 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 327 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus?
You can definitely use frozen asparagus in this recipe, but fresh will give you the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before tossing it with the other ingredients.
How do I roast the garlic?
Roasting the garlic is super easy! Just cut the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it tightly in foil. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until the garlic is soft and fragrant.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the garlic and prep the asparagus up to 2 days in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just toss everything together and bake for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, this Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus is perfect for a keto diet! The low-carb veggies, healthy fats, and protein-packed Parmesan make it a delicious and nutritious side dish.
What can I serve this with?
The possibilities are endless, my friends! Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal. It also makes a fantastic side dish for holiday feasts or weekend brunch.
Try These Next
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Corn
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious side dish featuring tender asparagus roasted with garlic and topped with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
1 pound asparagus
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Trim the ends of the asparagus and place them on a baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with olive oil.
4. Drizzle the garlic oil over the asparagus and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and asparagus is tender.
Notes
Best served warm as a side dish.
Can be paired with grilled chicken or fish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: asparagus, garlic, parmesan, side dish