Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.My Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus is incredibly easy to make and ready in just 10 minutes! Topped with melty mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and spices, it’s my go-to appetizer or side dish that my family loves all year round.
I created this recipe inspired by my love for simple, comforting dishes that bring out the best in fresh ingredients. One day, I had some asparagus on hand and decided to pair it with melty cheese and garlic, it was an instant hit with my family. If you’re an asparagus lover like me, you’ll also love my vegan asparagus soup, it’s another delicious way to enjoy this amazing vegetable.
Most of the time, I keep it simple by roasting asparagus on aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil and spices. But every now and then, I want something a bit more special and indulgent, something that feels like a real treat, and my roasted asparagus recipe checks that box perfectly.
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love asparagus year-round! While it’s at its peak during the spring and summer, I’ve often found incredible bundles in the fall and winter too. It’s one of my favorite veggies to serve during the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Asparagus is such a crowd-pleaser, it always seems to make its way onto everyone’s table, don’t you agree?
My cheesy baked asparagus recipe is one of those dishes I come back to again and again. It’s the perfect side dish when I want something hearty, flavorful, and a little indulgent. My whole family swears it’s the best asparagus dish no matter the season, and I couldn’t agree more.
Whether I’m hosting a winter brunch, a summer cookout, or a casual dinner with friends, my 10-minute cheesy garlic asparagus dish is always a favorite on the table. And honestly, who can resist cheesy comfort food that’s still healthy and low-carb? My roasted asparagus recipe is vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free, it’s perfect for just about everyone. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Latest Recipe Video!
🥘 Ingredients
My easy cheesy garlic asparagus comes together with just a few simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry. I mean, who can live without staples like parmesan, mozzarella, spices and milk, right?
Fresh Asparagus: I use 2 pounds of fresh, trimmed asparagus and snap off the tough ends. It’s the easiest way to make sure only the tender part of the spears is used.
Whole Milk: I love cooking the asparagus in whole milk for a creamy, decadent feel. It’s rich but still lighter on fat and calories than heavy cream.
Mozzarella Cheese: I use ½ cup of low-fat shredded mozzarella to keep this dish cheesy but on the healthier side. You can always add more if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded parmesan is a must for the best results, it melts beautifully and adds a creamy, savory finish.
Swaps
Cheese: Sometimes I swap in asiago or gruyere cheese for a different flavor, they’re both delicious options!
Milk: You can use heavy cream for an even creamier dish, but keep in mind it will add more calories and fat.
🔪 How to Make
When I say this takes just 10 minutes to make, I’m not kidding. It’s really that easy.
Preheat Oven & Trim Asparagus: I start by preheating the oven to 400°F. Then, I wash and trim 2 pounds of asparagus, just bend each spear until it naturally snaps. The bottom part is the tough section, so I discard that and keep the tender top.
Add Asparagus to Baking Dish: I place asparagus in a 9×13 baking dish. It is okay if they are not in a single layer. Then, I drizzle with olive oil, add minced garlic, and top with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and evenly coat.
Add Milk & Cheese: I pour the milk evenly over the asparagus. Then, I sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan over the top. So easy!
Time to Bake: I bake the asparagus in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. To finish, I like to garnish it with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for a little extra flavor, then it’s ready to enjoy!
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making the best Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus is to always use the freshest asparagus you can find. I’ve learned that fresh asparagus makes all the difference, it’s tender, flavorful, and cooks up beautifully without being tough or stringy. Whenever I’m at the market, I look for bright green spears with firm tips, and I know I’m in for a dish that will impress every time.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Double the Ingredients: When I’m serving a group, I simply double the ingredients to make sure there’s plenty to go around. Everyone always comes back for seconds!
- For Kids: If I’m making this for little ones, I cook the asparagus a bit longer and cut it into bite-sized pieces. It makes it so much easier for kids to enjoy.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: I love broiling the dish for an extra minute after baking to get the cheese perfectly golden and crispy. It’s such a simple way to take it up a notch.
- Adjust the Cheese: I always tweak the amount of cheese based on my mood, sometimes more, sometimes less. Adding breadcrumbs on top is another great way to get a little extra crunch!
📖 Variations
I love how versatile my roasted asparagus recipe is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or try something new!
Lemon and Herb: I like to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus and sprinkle on some chopped thyme or dill before roasting, it adds such a bright, fresh flavor.
Spicy Kick: When I’m in the mood for some heat, I sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle a little sriracha over the asparagus.
Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, I toss the asparagus with half cup of breadcrumbs a before baking. It comes out golden, crispy, and so delicious.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This is one of my favorite cheesy side dishes or appetizers to make. I love serving it alongside some of my other go-to sides or appetizers for a complete and delicious spread.
Other Sides: I often pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted green beans and potatoes, or even a simple garlic bread for a comforting combo.
Main Dishes: my roasted garlic asparagus dish goes so well with my vegan meatloaf, baked salmon, or my fancy vegan Wellington for a full meal.
Toppings: I love adding red pepper flakes for a little heat or fresh chopped tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: I store leftover cheesy garlic asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, I place the asparagus in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It keeps well for up to 1 month, though the texture may soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating: I reheat the asparagus in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. For extra crispiness, I broil it for a minute or two before serving.
❓Recipe FAQs
How do you trim asparagus?
One way I like to trim asparagus is by cutting right where the stalk changes from white to green. The lower part is always tough, so trimming it off makes a big difference. I prefer to trim each stalk individually to make sure every single one is tender from top to bottom.
How do you know when asparagus is done cooking?
When asparagus is cooked properly, it should be tender but still firm and bright green in color. I always check by bending it, if it snaps in half, it’s perfect, but if it bends without snapping, it’s overcooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the asparagus and assemble it with the cheese and seasonings ahead of time. I store it in the fridge and bake it just before serving for the best results.
What are some good substitutes for cheese or milk in this recipe?
For a dairy-free version, I like to use plant-based cheese and unsweetened almond or oat milk. Nutritional yeast is another great option, it adds that cheesy flavor without any dairy!
LOVE THIS RECIPE? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family-friendly food, and if you have any questions, I’m here to help!
📋 Recipe Card
🎥 Watch How to Make It
Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus
My Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus is incredibly easy to make and ready in just 10 minutes! Topped with melty mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, and spices, it’s my go-to appetizer or side dish that my family loves all year round.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 91kcal
Ingredients
For the Asparagus:
- 2 pounds asparagus trimmed
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup chopped fresh tomatoes optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degreed F.
- Wash and chop 2 pounds of asparagus. The ends of asparagus can be tough. Bend the asparagus until it snaps in two. The lower portion is the tough part you'll want to discard.
- Place the trimmed asparagus in a 9×13 baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, add minced garlic, and top with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and evenly coat.
- Pour the milk evenly over the asparagus.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, and parmesan over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until the cheese is golden brown and begins to bubble. Top with red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Notes
- I use the freshest asparagus I can find. I’ve learned that fresh asparagus makes all the difference, it’s tender, flavorful, and cooks up beautifully without being tough or stringy. Whenever I’m at the market, I look for bright green spears with firm tips, and I know I’m in for a dish that will impress every time.
- When I’m serving a group, I simply double the ingredients to make sure there’s plenty to go around. Everyone always comes back for seconds!
- If I’m making this for little ones, I cook the asparagus a bit longer and cut it into bite-sized pieces. It makes it so much easier for kids to enjoy.
- I love broiling the dish for an extra minute after baking to get the cheese perfectly golden and crispy. It’s such a simple way to take it up a notch.
- I always tweak the amount of cheese based on my mood, sometimes more, sometimes less. Adding breadcrumbs on top is another great way to get a little extra crunch!
Nutrition
Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 225mg | Potassium: 271mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g
This looks quick, easy, and super delicious.
It really is! You will love this recipe Savita!
I love asparagus and this is such a great way to have them! So unusual and tasty.
Thanks so much Romina!
Yumm! I am so excited to try this!
You will love this recipe Maria! 🙂
This is the only way I ever want asparagus from now on – haha! It was amazing!
Haha yay! Great to hear!
Sounds like a healthy and flavorful side dish. Cheesy platters are my favorite. I have to check this out.
Totally! It is the perfect side dish – you will love it!
What a way to enjoy asparagus! The shredded parm adds the perfect punch of flavor to finish things off. Everyone loved them!
Thanks so much Dana!! Glad you all enjoyed this recipe!
Served this with dinner and it was a hit all around the table! Quite possibly the best way to enjoy asparagus; even my picky eaters loved this dish!
Aw yay! I’m so happy to hear that Sara!
Love this recipe! It was so easy and tasty! Will definitely be making again and again!
Yay! Thanks so much Kim – so glad you liked it!
Now this is my kind of side dish. I love anything with asparagus.
Haha me too!! We definitely have that in common Dannii!
This is perfect for asparagus season! Can’t wait to try it.
I know!! I’m sure you will love it! 🙂
This is a gorgeous appetiser idea. Love Pecorino and asparagus. YUM!
Yes!! Thank you Safira!