Cheesy Asparagus With Tomatoes

From this oven-roasted asparagus, with or without cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, and baked beets. A good seasoning and adding lots of cheese helps with flavor big time.

Ingredients

This recipe is easy, loaded with asparagus, roasted tomatoes, delicious but very simple seasonings, and lots of cheese!

Our fave sides: A bowl of decadent Mashed Potatoes with cream cheese makes THE BEST side dish combination I've ever tried. I often served it with Pork Chops, Pork Tenderloin or Potato Mushroom Soup.

Instructions

Did you know that something so easy can taste so good? This cheesy asparagus is simple, requires only a handful of ingredients, and is whole family-friendly.

How To Roast Asparagus

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Rinse the asparagus and trim the tips. I like to place a bunch of spears on a cutting board and slice the woody ends off.

You don't have to cut a lot, just most of the thicker tougher white part.

Place asparagus stalks on a baking sheet (lined with foil or parchment paper) or baking dish in a single layer, and drizzle with 1 ½ tablespoons (or more as needed) olive oil, season with salt, black pepper, onion, and garlic powder.

Toss to combine with hands or kitchen tongs (or use a plastic zip-top bag for even distribution of seasonings).

In a medium bowl, toss tomatoes with the remaining olive oil, salt pepper.

Arrange the asparagus in one side and the other side with the tomatoes.

Sprinkle both or just the asparagus with parmesan on top.

How much you add cheese is up to you. If I’m not serving another cheesy dish for dinner, I like to be generous and add plenty of cheese to my asparagus.

This makes the veggie very yummy and has been approved by my non-asparagus fans.

Bake for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know when asparagus is done when its color becomes darker green and the cheese is melted. Tomatoes will start to brown lightly.

Serve the cheesy asparagus immediately garnished with fresh basil leaves, lemon slices, sea salt flakes and balsamic glaze (optional!).

Serving Suggestions

Roasted asparagus with cheese is a very easy and healthy side dish that goes with .. I’d say anything!

My favorite is to serve this asparagus with Chicken pasta, Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy Chicken thighs, chicken Lo mein, air fryer roasted Salmon (or check out my Salmon Salad recipe in oven), baked Trout, Pork Tenderloin, or codfish steaks.

Or serve this with more delicious side dishes:

• Homemade Gluten-Free Tater Tots
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes (my favorite side for asparagus and Pork Chops)
• Mashed Cauliflower And Potatoes
• Potato Salad
• Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
• Avocado Corn Salad
• Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Tips

• Asparagus - If you buy more asparagus, keep the fresh asparagus in the fridge. Trim the ends and make sure they are kept wet either in a larger cup with a bit of water or a damp towel around the ends. Treat them just like a bouquet of flowers!
• You’ll know if asparagus gone bad. Fresh asparagus will keep a good couple of days in the fridge. If it will become wilted, limp and smell funny, it’s time to throw it away.
• Don’t forget to wash and trim asparagus just like any other veggie.
• To make asparagus taste good, add more seasonings and use fresh garlic instead of the powder one. Use 1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
• Once roasted asparagus should be tender inside but still with a little crunch to it.
• Spices- it is always fun to experiment with different spices, try Italian seasoning, paprika (regular or smoked), red pepper flakes.
• Melty cheese - I used Parmesan (or Asiago, Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano). Ilike Parmesan as it doesn't melt that much and I kinda like it in this dish. It's cheesy without ton of cheese. Cheeses like Mozzarella, Gruyere, Cheddar will give you a more silky smooth texture.
• Leftovers make a very tasty cheesy asparagus pasta. Add some chicken and you have a complete meal.
• You don't necessarily have to use baking sheet, if the asparagus sears fit in your casserole dish, add them there. There's no need for a lot of free space between the asparagus stalks.

JULIA'S TIP For an extra hearty meal, we like to serve roasted asparagus with my lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole or unstuffed Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls recipes.

Storing Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Fresh is always best. I don’t recommend freezing baked asparagus either.

FAQ

Why is my asparagus so chewy?

If you follow these recipe instructions you should end up with crisp-tender asparagus. However, it is easy to overcook it and will depend on each oven individually.

If you’re not sure, make a taste test in about 10-minute mark and see if it is up to your liking. Also, be mindful of removing the asparagus from the baking sheet once it’s done and transferring it to a serving platter. Asparagus will continue to cook if left on the hot baking sheet.

What is the best temperature to roast asparagus?

As mentioned in this recipe I use 400 F for most of my vegetables. Bake the asparagus with cheese for 10-15 minutes and you’ll end up with a perfectly roasted, crisp-tender healthy veggie platter.

Why is my roasted asparagus mushy?You’ve probably overcooked it. It’s a relatively small and thin veggie that needs just a little roasting time. Also, every oven temperature differs, and it may have been too hot for your asparagus.

Should asparagus be crunchy or soft?In my opinion, just a bit crunchy outside and tender inside. If it’s too soft no one will eat it in my family.

I hope you'll enjoy this cheesy baked asparagus recipe and if you do try this out, please let me know down below in the comments or by tagging @theyummy_bowl under your picture on Instagram.

Thank you for reading,

Love,

Julia

Want more asparagus recipes?

I got you covered! Try these next:

• Strawberry Quinoa Asparagus Salad
• Asparagus and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Easy Cheesy Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Cauliflower
• Green Beans
• Twice Baked Sweet Potato
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
• Spinach Artichoke Dip