Easy Cheesy Garlic Asparagus: Your Ultimate 10-Minute Low-Carb Side Dish

Searching for a side dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and unbelievably quick to prepare? Look no further than this fantastic Cheesy Garlic Asparagus recipe! Ready in just 10 minutes, this dish transforms simple asparagus into a delicious, comforting, and satisfying side. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also perfectly aligns with low-carb and keto lifestyles, making it an ideal choice for healthy eating without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this vibrant, garlicky, and cheesy vegetable comes together.

It’s hard to believe this is the first asparagus recipe shared on the blog, especially given how much I adore vegetables! Asparagus is a true culinary gem, and when paired with fragrant garlic and melted cheese, it reaches new heights of deliciousness. Baked asparagus is my go-to preparation method because it cooks so quickly, achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture in mere minutes. A generous sprinkle of cheese on top elevates it from a simple vegetable to the most delicious and comforting meal side you could ask for. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Cheesy Garlic Asparagus Recipe

• Effortless & Quick: This recipe is designed for speed and convenience. With only a few minutes of prep and a quick bake, you’ll have a gourmet-tasting side dish ready in about 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive.
• Healthy & Diet-Friendly: Asparagus is naturally low in calories and packed with nutrients. By focusing on healthy fats and skipping unnecessary carbs, this dish is a fantastic low-carb and keto-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. It’s a guilt-free pleasure!
• Inexpensive & Accessible: Asparagus is often readily available and affordable, especially when in season. This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly choice for any meal.
• Versatile Pairing: Cheesy garlic asparagus is an incredibly versatile side. It pairs wonderfully with a wide array of main dishes, from proteins like air fryer steak, crab stuffed salmon, and fried lobster tails to chicken, pork, or even vegetarian mains. Its robust flavor complements almost anything.
• Customizable to Your Taste: This is a super versatile recipe when it comes to cheese. You can use whatever cheese you prefer, such as sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, nutty Gruyère, or even a mix. Feel free to include other quick-cooking veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, for an extra nutritional boost and burst of color.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients – just 6 essential items – to create this show-stopping side. Simple ingredients, extraordinary taste!

Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Asparagus

• Asparagus: The star of our dish! I used thick asparagus stalks for this recipe, which roasted perfectly in 9 minutes. If you’re using thinner stalks, I highly recommend reducing the cooking time by about half to prevent them from becoming mushy. A crucial step is to trim the tough, woody bottoms of the asparagus. You can easily do this by bending each stalk until it naturally snaps, or by simply cutting about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom. This ensures every bite is tender and delicious.
• Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, creating a wonderfully gooey and comforting layer over the asparagus. Its mild flavor allows the garlic and asparagus to shine.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, and umami depth that perfectly complements the mozzarella. Freshly grated Parmesan will always yield the best flavor.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is key to infusing this dish with its signature aromatic flavor. Don’t skip this for garlic powder; the fresh garlic makes all the difference!
• Olive Oil: Used to coat the asparagus, helping it roast evenly and ensuring the seasonings adhere. Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely subtle fruitiness. You could also use avocado oil.
• Red Crushed Pepper: This is entirely optional, but highly recommended if you enjoy a touch of heat. A quarter teaspoon adds a subtle warmth that enhances the savory flavors. If you’re not a fan of spice, simply omit it.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the asparagus and balance the richness of the cheese. Always season to taste!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheesy Garlic Asparagus

This recipe comes together in a flash, making it an ideal choice for any meal. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, cheesy, and garlicky asparagus:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Asparagus: Rinse the asparagus stalks thoroughly under cold water. Next, trim off the tough, woody ends. As mentioned, you can snap them or cut about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom. Lay the trimmed asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Season Generously: Drizzle the asparagus evenly with olive oil. Using your hands or tongs, toss gently to ensure each stalk is lightly coated. Then, season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, minced fresh garlic, and the optional red crushed pepper. Make sure the garlic is distributed well for maximum flavor.
4. First Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 6 minutes. This initial bake allows the asparagus to become tender-crisp.
5. Add the Cheese: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the partially cooked asparagus.
6. Final Bake & Broil: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt. For that perfect golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy cheese topping, broil for 1 minute. Keep a close eye on it during broiling, as cheese can burn quickly!
7. Serve Immediately: Once the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, remove the asparagus from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy this incredibly delicious side dish!

Top Tips for Success & Recipe Variations

Achieving perfectly cooked, cheesy garlic asparagus is simple with a few insider tips and the option to customize! Here’s how to make it consistently amazing:

• Quick-Boil Option: Want to make it even quicker, or prefer a different texture? Boil the asparagus instead! Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the trimmed asparagus, and cook for just 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain well, then place the cooked asparagus on a baking sheet. Cover with both cheeses and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. This method is great for extra soft asparagus or when you need the oven for something else.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For best results and even cooking, arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. If your pan is too small, use two sheets. Overcrowding will steam the asparagus rather than roast it, leading to a less desirable texture.
• Know Your Asparagus Thickness: As noted in the ingredients, adjust baking time based on stalk thickness. Thinner stalks cook faster, usually needing only 4-5 minutes before adding cheese. Thick stalks might need an extra minute or two.
• Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are a classic combination, feel free to get creative! Sharp cheddar, creamy Gouda, nutty Gruyère, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese can add unique flavor dimensions.
• Herbaceous Boost: For an extra layer of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a touch of thyme over the finished dish.
• A Hint of Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the hot asparagus just before serving can brighten all the flavors beautifully. Lemon zest can also be added with the garlic for a more integrated citrus note.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch more red crushed pepper or a tiny dash of cayenne. You could also finish with a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
• Add Other Veggies: This recipe is forgiving! Feel free to add other quick-roasting vegetables like cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the baking sheet. Adjust cooking times as needed.

How Do You Select and Store the Best Asparagus?

Choosing fresh asparagus is key to a delicious outcome. While asparagus is available year-round in many places, it is truly best when purchased in season. The peak season for asparagus typically runs from February to June, depending on the region. During these months, you’ll find the freshest, most flavorful, and often most affordable stalks.

When selecting asparagus, look for these indicators of freshness:

• Firm Stalks: They should be firm and stand upright, not limp or rubbery.
• Tight Tips: The tips should be closed and compact, not spread open or slimy.
• Vibrant Color: Whether you choose bright green, white, or purple asparagus, the color should be rich and uniform throughout the stalk. Avoid any stalks with dull, faded, or yellowing patches.
• Snap Test: While you can’t usually do this in a store, fresh asparagus will audibly snap when you bend the bottom end.

All varieties—white, purple, or bright green—will work beautifully for this recipe, so choose whichever looks freshest or is your personal preference!

Storage Tips: To keep asparagus fresh for longer, treat it like a bouquet of flowers. Trim about an inch off the bottom ends of the stalks, then stand them upright in a jar or glass with about an inch of water at the bottom. Cover the tips loosely with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator. This method can keep asparagus fresh for up to a week.

Other Delicious Vegetable Side Dishes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this cheesy garlic asparagus, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more vegetable creations. These honey-roasted carrots are a perennial holiday favorite, bringing a delightful sweetness to any spread. And for another cheesy, roasted classic, these roasted parmesan Brussel sprouts are always a hit. Elevate your vegetable game with these easy and flavorful recipes!

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5 from 2 votes

Cheesy Garlic Asparagus

By Julie Maestre

Cheesy garlic asparagus is super easy to put together and is ready in just 10 minutes! A low-carb and keto-friendly side dish that is delicious and comforting.

Prep: 2 mins
Cook: 9 mins
Total: 11 mins
Servings: 4

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Ingredients

• 1/2 lb asparagus
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp red crushed pepper, or to taste
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Rinse and trim off the tough ends of the asparagus, about 1-2 inches.
3. Pat dry the asparagus with a paper towel. Coat the asparagus with olive oil.
4. Season with salt, pepper, red crushed pepper, and fresh garlic. Bake for 6 minutes.
5. Add the mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese on top of the asparagus and bake for an additional 2 minutes. Broil for 1 minute or until the cheese completely melts. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcal |
Carbohydrates: 3g |
Protein: 8g |
Fat: 10g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g |
Cholesterol: 24mg |
Sodium: 219mg |
Potassium: 141mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 675IU |
Vitamin C: 3mg |
Calcium: 185mg |
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Total Time: 11 minutes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 136

Keyword: Cheesy Asparagus, Cheesy Garlic Asparagus, Roasted Asparagus