Baked Asparagus with Cheese and Breadcrumbs
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Baked Asparagus with Cheese and Breadcrumbs
Description
This recipe involves trimming 2 pounds of asparagus and arranging them in a baking pan coated with a garlic-infused olive oil. A seasoned breadcrumb mixture combining plain crumbs, pecorino romano cheese, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes is sprinkled atop the asparagus. The dish is baked at 400°F until the breadcrumbs are browned and the asparagus is tender but still has bite. Optionally, broiling briefly at the end can enhance browning, but requires close attention due to quick burning risk.
The lemon zest added after baking brightens the flavors, and a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness. This side goes well with a range of main dishes and can be served fresh from the oven.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated either in a moderate oven or microwave to maintain texture. The recipe advises caution when broiling to avoid burning the breadcrumbs and suggests drizzling oil either over the entire pan or individual servings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds asparagus ends cut off
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons lemon for finishing, zest
For the seasoned breadcrumbs (mix together)
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup pecorino romano grated
- 1 teaspoon oregano or Italian oregano, dried, Sicilian
- 1/4 cup parsley minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed, hot
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup white wine pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, etc, dry
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400f and set the rack to the middle level. Mix the seasoned breadcrumbs ingredients together and set aside.
- Combine the grated garlic and olive oil together in a bowl. Spoon half of the garlic oil into a sheet pan and spread it around to evenly distribute.
- Place the asparagus into the pan and season with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Next, sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs on top of the asparagus, then drizzle the remaining garlic oil on top. Bake for 25 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are brown and the asparagus is tender.
- For more color, the asparagus can be broiled for the last 1-2 minutes but watch very carefully to avoid burning. Sprinkle the lemon zest onto the asparagus right before serving and drizzle a touch more extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy!
Notes
- Broiling at the end can enhance breadcrumb browning; watch carefully to prevent burning.
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil after baking adds flavor and moisture to the asparagus.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 239 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 239kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 12.9g | 4% |
| Protein | 6.7g | 13% |
| Fat | 18.9g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 131mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 333mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3.6g | 14% |
| Sugar | 3.5g | 7% |
| Calcium | 113mg | 11% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.