Baked Asparagus with Ham and Cheese

Reader Evaluations

“I made this for dinner tonight! My husband and I beloved it. He often solely eats the very ideas of the asparagus however with this recipe, he ate all of it. Thanks once more. Your recipes by no means disappoint! ♥️♥️♥️” — Linda

“The ONLY technique to eat asparagus to any extent further! ???? Sooo good!” — Jennifer

“I’ve needed to like asparagus for some time now however simply couldn’t find it irresistible. UNTIL NOW! This was completely scrumptious and it’s how I’ll eat it to any extent further. Thanks!” — Jessica

Substances you want

• Asparagus spears: You need to use contemporary asparagus, moderately than frozen. Thinner spears will cook dinner sooner than the thicker varieties so be aware of that and modify the timing as wanted. No matter you utilize, ensure that the spears are of roughly the identical dimension so they are going to cook dinner evenly.
• Oil: For roasting within the oven, I like to recommend avocado or additional virgin olive oil.
• Seasoning: Garlic, salt and pepper.
• Cheese: I used each grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. You can even use Monterey Jack and/or parmesan, too.
• Cooked ham: This can be a good way to make use of up leftover vacation ham and it provides a salty element (and extra protein) to your dish.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Lay cleaned and trimmed asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with the oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper and toss to mix, then unfold out right into a single layer.
2. Sprinkle with the minced garlic and bake at 450ºF for 8 minutes, till the asparagus is tender and vibrant inexperienced.
3. Take away from the oven and activate the broiler. Sprinkle the asparagus with the grated cheeses and diced ham.
4. Return to the oven on the second highest rack place and broil 2 to 4 minutes, till the cheese is melted and starting to brown.

Professional Suggestions

Prep the asparagus: Every spear of asparagus has a woody finish that must be eliminated. This a part of the asparagus is hard, dry, and never very palatable. You should use the bend and break technique of eradicating this woody finish or simply minimize it with a knife.

Don’t line the pan: I like to recommend leaving your baking sheet unlined for this baked asparagus recipe. So long as you toss them with oil, they received’t persist with your pan they usually roast sooner this manner.

After which the cheese turns into all crispy and browned on the perimeters. You would possibly find yourself standing there, selecting it off and consuming it earlier than you serve!

Watch it fastidiously: Whereas asparagus is simple to cook dinner, it’s additionally straightforward to overcook. This implies it’s essential watch it fastidiously throughout cooking. When the colour turns into vibrant inexperienced and the stalks are simply fork tender, it’s cooked completely.

Baked asparagus is greatest served immediately, because it tends to wither a bit and turn into wrinkled because it sits. However whereas it’s much less engaging trying if cooked too far prematurely, it’s nonetheless simply as tasty.

Leftovers: I really actually just like the leftovers warmed within the microwave to soften the cheese once more. They are going to maintain within the fridge for two to three days. I don’t advocate freezing leftovers because the asparagus will flip to mush.