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Start with 1 pound of fresh asparagus. Look for bright green spears that are firm. Trim the woody ends for best results. This helps make each bite tender and tasty. Use ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh cheese gives a stronger flavor than pre-grated. This cheese adds a rich, salty taste that pairs well with the asparagus. Add ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs create a crunchy texture. They keep the asparagus crispy during baking. You will need 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This oil helps the coating stick. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for flavor. Include ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth. Finally, sprinkle in sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. For a pop of freshness, use the zest of 1 lemon. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the asparagus get crispy. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes it easy to clean up later. Plus, it keeps the asparagus from sticking. In a large bowl, add ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Then, mix in ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra flavor. Don't forget to add a pinch of sea salt and pepper. Lastly, toss in the zest of 1 lemon. This adds brightness to the dish. Mix everything well until all ingredients blend nicely. Take your trimmed asparagus and place it in a separate bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the asparagus. Toss gently, making sure each spear gets coated. Now, take each asparagus spear and roll it in the cheese and breadcrumb mix. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Arrange the coated asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they have space to crisp up. Bake them in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. They should be tender and golden when done. Carefully take them out and let them cool for a minute. Serve them on a nice platter, and don’t forget to drizzle some extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for a fresh touch. Enjoy your crispy baked Parmesan asparagus! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To get that perfect crisp, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a great crunch. Make sure to coat each asparagus spear well. Press the coating on firmly. Space them out on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to flow around them. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want a golden color and a tender bite. Add depth with smoked paprika and garlic powder. These spices elevate the flavor. You can also try lemon zest for brightness. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. For a cheesy twist, use a mix of cheeses. Parmesan is great, but try sharp cheddar or Gruyère too. Make your Baked Parmesan Asparagus look amazing! Serve them on a nice platter. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for shine. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley. This not only adds color but also fresh flavor. Want to impress? Use a clean white plate to highlight the green asparagus. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} You can swap Parmesan for other cheeses if you want. Asiago or Pecorino Romano work great. These cheeses add different flavors. Experiment with a mix for a unique taste. Just remember, the cheese should be finely grated so it sticks well to the asparagus. While panko gives a nice crunch, you can use regular breadcrumbs too. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a healthy twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try crushed crackers or even cornflakes. Each option will change the texture slightly, making your dish fun and new. Adding flavors can make your asparagus even better. Try adding lemon zest or fresh herbs like thyme or basil. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds heat if you like spice. You can also try balsamic vinegar for a tangy punch. These small changes can make your dish special and tailored to your taste. For the full recipe, check out the details above. After you enjoy your baked Parmesan asparagus, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Make sure they cool down first. This keeps them crispy for later. To reheat your baked asparagus, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep them crunchy. You can also use an air fryer at the same temperature for about 5 minutes. You can freeze baked Parmesan asparagus, but it may lose its crispiness. Allow the asparagus to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For the full recipe, check the section above. You can tell when the asparagus is done by checking its color and texture. The asparagus should turn bright green and become tender when pierced with a fork. If the coating is golden and crispy, you know it’s ready to eat. Usually, this takes about 12-15 minutes in a hot oven. Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but there are a few steps to follow. First, thaw the asparagus completely and pat it dry. This will help remove excess moisture. Then, you can coat and bake it just like fresh asparagus. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as frozen asparagus may need a few extra minutes. Baked Parmesan Asparagus pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It also complements pasta dishes or a simple quinoa salad. You can even serve it as a side with steak for a hearty dinner. The recipe is not gluten-free because of the panko breadcrumbs. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. This switch keeps the flavors intact while making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. Just make sure to check the label on your breadcrumbs for any hidden gluten sources. Baking Parmesan asparagus is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this nutritious veggie. We discussed the ingredients, from fresh asparagus to seasonings. I shared easy steps for baking, plus tips for a perfect crisp. You can also try variations with different cheeses or breadcrumbs. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheating them is a breeze. Now you can impress your family and friends with this delightful dish any time!

Baked Parmesan Asparagus

Discover the perfect side dish with this Crispy Baked Parmesan Asparagus recipe! Made with fresh asparagus, a crunchy Parmesan and panko coating, and a hint of lemon, this dish is both tasty and easy to prepare. In just 25 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with this elegant and flavorful addition to any meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and get ready to elevate your dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed at the woody ends

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth of flavor)

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon (for a vibrant freshness)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.

      In a separate bowl, place the trimmed asparagus. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the asparagus and toss them gently to ensure each spear is evenly coated with oil.

        One at a time, take each asparagus spear and roll it in the cheese and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well to the asparagus.

          Once coated, arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded for optimal crispiness.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender when pierced with a fork, and the coating is beautifully golden and crispy.

              Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the asparagus cool for about a minute before serving to allow the initial heat to dissipate.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy asparagus spears elegantly on a serving platter. For an extra touch, drizzle with a hint of fresh olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.