Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
If you’re out of mozzarella, feel free to substitute with cheddar or even a mix of Italian cheeses. The lemon juice and zest are optional but highly recommended for that extra zing that ties everything together.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the asparagus out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures they roast evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the asparagus. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, drizzle the lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with lemon zest before serving.
Watching the cheese melt into a golden crust is one of my favorite parts of this process, reminiscent of the joy I felt as a child watching my mom work her magic in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International