Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
Golden, crispy, and loaded with flavor, this Parmesan Crusted Asparagus is a healthy, fiber-rich side dish ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for pairing with any main course, it’s an easy, satisfying way to enjoy a nutritious vegetable with a crunchy, cheesy topping.
Equipment
- 9 x 13 inch Baking Dish
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Gallon Ziploc Bag
- Rolling pin or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus trimmed
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup garlic croutons
Instructions
- Preheat Oven for Perfect Crisping: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the asparagus cooks evenly while the Parmesan and crouton topping becomes golden and crispy. While the oven heats, you can prepare your baking dish and ingredients, making the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the asparagus and topping from sticking and helps the crumbs stay intact. Alternatively, a thin layer of olive oil can be brushed on for a slightly richer flavor.
- Trim Asparagus Stalks: Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Snap or cut off the tough, woody ends—usually the bottom inch or two. Arrange the trimmed stalks evenly in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they lie flat in a single layer for even cooking.
- Apply Initial Coating: Spray the asparagus lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This helps the Parmesan cheese adhere and promotes even browning during baking.Make sure each spear receives a light, even mist for the best results.
- Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese Generously: Evenly distribute ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese over the asparagus. The cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor and forms a slightly crisp layer as it bakes. Gently shake the dish to ensure the cheese reaches each stalk.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the asparagus and Parmesan layer with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This enhances the natural flavors of the asparagus and balances the richness of the cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste, keeping in mind Parmesan is naturally salty.
- Crush Croutons for Topping: Place 1 cup of garlic croutons into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Seal the bag tightly, then use a rolling pin to crush the croutons into fine, breadcrumb-like pieces. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor until uniform. These crumbs create a delicate, crunchy topping that complements the tender asparagus.
- Add Crouton Topping: Sprinkle the crushed croutons evenly over the cheese-covered asparagus. Ensure the crumbs cover most of the surface without overcrowding, allowing heat to circulate for a golden crust. Lightly spray the top of the crumbs with non-stick spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil to enhance crisping.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, checking closely towards the end. The dish is done when the crouton topping turns golden brown and the asparagus is tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on oven and asparagus thickness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. This helps the topping set and makes serving easier. Transfer the Parmesan Crusted Asparagus to a serving platter and enjoy immediately as a crunchy, flavorful, and healthy side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm asparagus for the best texture; thin stalks will cook faster than thicker ones.
- Crushing croutons by hand with a rolling pin gives a rustic, uneven crunch, while a food processor creates uniform crumbs. Both work well depending on your preference.
- For a richer flavor, lightly drizzle olive oil over the asparagus instead of using non-stick spray.
- Keep the asparagus in a single layer in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and crispy topping.
- Check the oven towards the end of baking to avoid over-browning the croutons.
