Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 bunch asparagus spears (about 1 pound)
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- parsley (optional, for garnish)
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it's hot and ready to roast the asparagus evenly.
- Prepare Asparagus: Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears to remove the tough parts. Arrange the spears on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Oil and Season: Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus, then toss them gently so all spears are coated evenly with oil. Sprinkle garlic salt and black pepper across the asparagus for flavor.
- Initial Roasting: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the asparagus for 10 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Cheese Coating - Part 1: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. Transfer half of the asparagus spears to a tray or plate, sprinkle half of the parmesan cheese over them, then toss well to coat. Return the coated spears to the baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining asparagus and parmesan cheese, sprinkling any leftover parmesan over all the spears on the pan.
- Arrange and Add Mozzarella: Arrange all the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Final Melting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake the asparagus for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Once out of the oven, optionally sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and garnish with chopped parsley for freshness before serving.
Notes
- Trim asparagus ends carefully to avoid woody texture in the finished dish.
- Adjust garlic salt and black pepper to taste depending on your seasoning preferences.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes either before baking or as a garnish.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; the cheese is most flavorful when warm and melty.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian