If you are looking for a simple, delicious, and healthy way to elevate your vegetables, look no further than Cheesy Garlic Oven Baked Asparagus. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even as a tasty appetizer when entertaining.
This healthy side dish is also packed with nutrients while still feeling indulgent. Hello, melted cheese and garlic!
Asparagus is a powerhouse veggie, loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support overall health. Baking it in the oven brings out its natural sweetness, and when paired with garlic and some cheese, it turns into a flavor-packed side dish that even picky eaters will love.
If you are looking for more healthy side dishes, then you must try my Air Fryer Broccoli and my Homemade Crockpot Applesauce!
Table of contents
Ingredients for this healthy side dish
Only 4 ingredients for this easy side dish!
- asparagus - hard woody ends removed, look for bright green stalks with firm, tightly closed tips.
- olive oil - I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its flavor, and it has a high smoke point, which is great for roasting veggies.
- garlic - minced, if using jarred garlic, it will keep the garlic moist when baking, but fresh garlic offers a more potent flavor.
- mozzarella cheese - I prefer using slices because it covers the asparagus more evenly, but you can also use shredded.
How to make oven-baked asparagus
Step-by-step directions on how to make easy oven-baked asparagus.
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Snap off the ends of the asparagus and discard.
Step 2 - In a small bowl, add the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper and mix well.
Step 3 - Line your asparagus on a baking pan and pour the olive oil mix on top and mix well until the asparagus is fully coated. Pour a little extra olive oil over the top and sprinkle with a dash more of salt and pepper.
Step 4 - Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the cheese. Turn on the broil and place the baking pan back in the oven. Broil for 2 - 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Watch carefully because it could burn easily.
Tips and FAQ's
Make sure your asparagus spears are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
This is a great side dish for some grilled chicken or salmon, or mix it into some quinoa or brown rice bowls.
The asparagus will be bright green, the stems will be tender, and the tips might start to get a little crisp.
More healthy side dishes you MUST TRY
If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
Cheesy Garlic Oven Baked Asparagus
Equipment
- baking pan
Ingredients
- 12 ounces thin asparagus hard woody ends cut off
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 4-5 slices reduced fat mozzarella can also use shredded
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1 - Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Snap off the ends of the asparagus and discard.
- Step 2 - In a small bowl, add the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper and mix well.
- Step 3 - Line your asparagus on a baking pan and pour the olive oil mix on top and mix well until the asparagus is fully coated. Pour a little extra olive oil over the top and sprinkle with a dash more of salt and pepper.
- Step 4 - Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the cheese. Turn on the broil and place the baking pan back in the oven. Broil for 2 - 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Watch carefully because it could burn easily.
Notes
- Snap the ends off the asparagus spears and toss them in the trash.
- Line the asparagus on the baking tray.
- Stir together the garlic and olive oil mixture.
Nutrition
Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her love for health and nutrition!
Leave a Reply