Caramelized Oven Roasted Asparagus get an extra dose of flavor from the best crispy, buttery and cheesy Parmesan cracker crumb topping! This easy side dish recipe is perfect any time of the year and especially delicious during springtime when asparagus are in season.
We really enjoy asparagus recipes. Asparagus are so versatile, nutritious and low in calories. If you also like cooking with asparagus, you may want to read How to Cook Asparagus 6 different ways next!
Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Roasting asparagus in the oven is one of the easiest ways to enjoy perfectly tender, golden brown asparagus that have a ton of flavor. If you have picky eaters in your family who claim not to like veggies, I recommend you serve them Parmesan roasted asparagus. I think this recipe may change their minds.
I love oven roasted asparagus simply seasoned with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. However, sometimes it’s fun to switch up the basic baked asparagus recipe and this is where this crispy and cheesy Roasted Asparagus Parmesan comes in!
How Do I Choose Asparagus?
Pick fresh asparagus spears that are firm, smooth and crisp with tight closed budding tips. Make sure the tips are not mushy.
The thickness or size of the asparagus is not an indication of their maturity or flavor. It just means that they are of different varieties.
As stated in the recipe card, thinner asparagus will need less roasting time than thicker ones.
Crispy Parmesan Baked Asparagus Ingredients
- Asparagus: Choose fresh asparagus of any variety. Green, white, purple, thin or thick asparagus work.
- Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil. Avocado oil can also be used.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is best.
- Seasoning: Salt and black ground pepper.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated cheese is always best.
- Crackers: I use Ritz crackers as they have the right balance of buttery, savory and salty flavors.
- Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter.
- Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are also called pignolis. They have a rich buttery taste and add just the right crunch to this side dish. You can use any other nut that you like. Almonds and cashews are great options.
How To Make Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Detailed instructions for making this baked asparagus with Parmesan can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up.
- Trim off the woody tough bottoms of the asparagus.
- Lay the asparagus on the sheet pan. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil, add the garlic and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat.
- Spread the spears in a single layer and roast until tender.
- While the asparagus are in the oven, melt the butter in a small skillet. Add the crumbs and pine nuts and stir to coat them, sauté stirring constantly until lightly toasted.
- Remove asparagus from the oven and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese, then top with the crumb topping. Return to the oven and bake for 2 minutes. Serve.
Do You Wash Asparagus Before Roasting?
Yes, you want to rinse the asparagus before cooking them. Before roasting the asparagus, pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
At What Temperature Should I Roast Asparagus?
Asparagus should be roasted at high temperature. For this recipe, I roast asparagus at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long To Roast Asparagus Parmesan?
Many factors affect the time needed to roast asparagus to tender perfection. The thickness, size and maturity of the veggie will play a role in deciding how long to bake asparagus.
Roast thin asparagus for about 10 to 15 minutes. Thicker asparagus will need additional roasting time, about 18 to 25 minutes.
How Do I Know If My Asparagus Are Done?
Asparagus should be tender but crisp. Check the base of the asparagus by piercing it with a fork. You should be able to pierce through without much resistance. To be on the safe side, check thin asparagus after 7 minutes of cooking time. You can always keep roasting undercooked asparagus, but once they are overcooked there’s no way to go back.
What Kind Of Cheese Goes Well With Asparagus?
Asparagus go well with Parmesan cheese, of course, but, that is not the only cheese that pairs beautifully with this tasty spring vegetable. Baked asparagus are delicious topped with Mozzarella cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, Romano, Grana Padano, Asiago and Feta cheese among others.
Parmesan Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe Tips
- Keep an eye on the cracker crumb when sautéing it. It can get dark and burn quickly.
- If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use any other butter cracker. You can also use pretzel crumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
Take A Look At These Other Easy Asparagus Recipes:
Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1/4 cup Parmesan
- 1/2 cup Ritz crackers crumbs, (about 1/2 sleeve)
- 1/4 cup pinenuts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chopped parsley, (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean up.
- Trim off the woody tough bottoms of the asparagus, about 1 to 2 inches, as needed.
- Lay the asparagus on the prepared sheet pan and drizzle them with olive oil. Stir in garlic and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat.
- Spread the asparagus spears in a single layer and roast until the base of the asparagus can be easily pierced through with a fork, about 10 to 15 minutes for thin asparagus and up to 25 minutes for thicker ones.
- While the asparagus are in the oven, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the crumbs and pine nuts and stir to coat them, sauté stirring constantly until lightly toasted. Keep an eye on it as they can burn easily.
- Remove asparagus from the oven and sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese, then top with the cracker crumb topping. Return to the oven and bake for 2 minutes. Serve.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the cracker crumb when sautéing it. It can get dark and burn quickly.
- If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use any other butter cracker. You can also use pretzel crumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
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