Description
A simple and elegant side dish featuring roasted asparagus enhanced with fresh lemon juice, rich butter, and savory Parmesan cheese. This easy baked recipe delivers tender, flavorful asparagus perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lbs asparagus, or about 2 bunches
Citrus
- 1 lemon (half juiced and half sliced into rings)
Fats and Oils
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pats
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Dairy
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Asparagus: Rinse 2 bunches of asparagus thoroughly under cold water. Hold each asparagus spear at the base and gently snap off the tough ends where they naturally break.
- Season Asparagus: Arrange the asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle evenly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Roll the asparagus lightly on the sheet to coat all pieces evenly in oil and seasonings.
- Add Lemon and Butter: Squeeze the juice from half of the lemon evenly over the asparagus. Lay lemon slices from the other half along the top third section of the asparagus. Slice the butter into pats and place them along the center of the asparagus.
- Bake Asparagus: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the asparagus for about 10 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Broil with Parmesan: Remove the asparagus from the oven and switch the oven setting to Broil. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the center of the asparagus evenly. Return to the middle rack and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Breaking the asparagus by hand helps remove the woody ends and ensures tenderness.
- You can adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese according to taste.
- Use fresh lemon for best flavor; bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch but may alter the brightness of the dish.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or pasta dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
