Grandma’s Holiday Cheesy Asparagus Bake
This dish transforms simple asparagus into a rich, savory side with a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Ingredients
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1–2 bunches of fresh asparagus (ends trimmed)
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp dried thyme or fresh sprigs for garnish
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Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth.
Instructions
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Prep the Asparagus: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the asparagus and snap off the woody bottom ends. Pat them dry thoroughly so the sauce sticks and they roast rather than steam.
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Seasoning: Place the asparagus in a single layer in a glass baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour the garlic butter over the asparagus and toss them directly in the pan until every spear is well-coated.
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The Cheese Layer: Arrange the spears so they are neatly lined up. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the middle of the spears, followed by a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.
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Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. The asparagus should be tender-crisp, and the cheese should be fully melted and starting to turn golden brown.
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Final Touch: For an extra-crispy top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely so the cheese doesn’t burn! Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving hot.
Why This Recipe is Special
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The Garlic Butter: Roasting the garlic in butter alongside the asparagus infuses the vegetables with a deep, mellow flavor.
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The Texture: The contrast between the tender asparagus and the chewy, caramelized cheese “crust” is what makes this so addictive.