Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Crispy Parmesan Topping
Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a perfect tender bite, but the real star here is the crispy, golden parmesan topping. A mix of panko, garlic, and parmesan adds just the right amount of crunch, while a hint of lemon ties everything together for a bright, savoury finish.
Ingredients
1 bunch asparagus, tough ends trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
½ tsp lemon zest (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Asparagus: Place the asparagus on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly and spread the asparagus into a single layer.
Make the Crispy Parmesan Topping: In a small bowl, mix the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until combined.
Roast the Asparagus: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes.
Add the Topping & Broil: Remove the asparagus from the oven, sprinkle the parmesan mixture evenly over the top, and return to the oven. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Serve & Garnish: Transfer the asparagus to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tip: Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top for extra brightness!
