Ah yes—Cheesy Asparagus 🥦🧀—a simple, elegant side that’s tender, cheesy, and slightly crisp. Here’s a classic recipe:
Cheesy Asparagus
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère work well)
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Prepare the asparagus
- Trim the tough ends (about 1–2 inches).
- Pat dry.
2. Cook asparagus
- Oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional garlic. Roast 10–15 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Skillet method: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and sauté 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Add the cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot asparagus.
- Cover for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
4. Serve
- Optional: sprinkle paprika, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve immediately as a side dish with chicken, fish, or beef.
Tips
- Cheese choice: Parmesan gives a salty, nutty flavor; cheddar gives melty richness; Gruyère gives a sophisticated twist.
- Don’t overcook: Asparagus should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Extra flavor: Add toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts on top for crunch.
I can also give a baked casserole-style cheesy asparagus with cream sauce for a richer, more indulgent version.
Do you want me to do that?
