Ready in just 15 minutes, this balsamic asparagus is rich and cheesy with a pop of sweet-tart cranberries. Made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy yet elegant side dish perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday celebrations.
Quick Look at the Recipe
- 🍽️ Flavor: Rich and savory with a hint of sweetness
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes
- 🕒 Ready In: 15 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Asparagus, cheese, balsamic vinegar, dried cranberries
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, egg-free
- 👩🍳 Tip: Roasting asparagus with balsamic vinegar adds a deep, caramelized flavor to every bite.
If Roasted Asparagus Could Be Even Better…
As someone who loves healthy cooking, it’s no surprise that roasted vegetables are one of my favorite sides. During the fall, I love roasting vegetables like squash and Brussels sprouts, but when spring comes, asparagus has to be the best! It’s quick to prep, cooks in minutes, and turns perfectly tender with lightly crisp edges.
This balsamic asparagus takes it to the next level! It’s drizzled with balsamic and plenty of shredded cheese and roasted until perfectly caramelized for a savory, slightly sweet side that feels special enough for company but is simple enough for weeknight dinners with a baby on your hip.
What Makes this Asparagus Special?
- Quick and easy, taking only 15 minutes and a few kitchen staple ingredients.
- Rich, caramelized flavor everyone will rave over!
- Healthy side versatile enough to serve alongside any meal.
Ingredients
Tools Needed
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Then place the asparagus on the baking sheet and drizzle with balsamic, avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the stalks evenly.
Step 2: Now spread the asparagus on the baking sheet side-by-side in one layer, and sprinkle the cheese across the center of the stalks.
Step 3: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until it’s lightly caramelized.
Step 4: When the asparagus is done, remove it from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Finally, sprinkle the dried cranberries on top.
If you’re looking for more easy vegetable sides, check out my sweet potato cakes and pan-fried Brussels sprouts!
Tips for Success
Properly prepare the asparagus – Before roasting, wash and dry the asparagus and snap off the tough, woody ends.
Grate the cheese yourself – Pre-shredded cheese typically contains additives which affect the flavor and prevent it from melting as smoothly.
Don’t over-bake – Roasted asparagus should have a bright green color and tender, but not limp or mushy, texture.
How to Select Good Asparagus from the Store
In the United States, asparagus is in season during the springtime. If you’re buying it out of season, it’s especially important to be careful to select good asparagus.
Color – Asparagus should have a vibrant green color softly fading to white at the bottom of the stalk. If the color looks dull, it’s no longer fresh.
Texture – Look for firm and smooth asparagus stalks. They should be able to stand upright. Avoid asparagus that’s limp, wilted, or soft.
Tips – The tips of asparagus should be tightly closed and have no yellowing.
Ends – Check to see if the ends look dry, cracked, and woody. If they do, the asparagus is past its prime. Even though they are lighter in color than the rest of the stalk, you still want them to be smooth and plump.
Violet’s Tips for Serving
Roasted asparagus makes an easy and festive side for springtime meals, including Easter! It’s best served immediately while the cheese is still melty, so put it in the oven when the rest of the meal is almost done.
FAQs
You can store roasted asparagus in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days. For best results, reheat in the oven.
No, roasted asparagus will lose its delicious texture and get mushy if frozen.
Roasted balsamic asparagus goes wonderfully with almost every type of main dish from Salisbury steak to homemade fish cakes! With its festive presentation, this recipe is also perfect for holiday meals.
In this recipe for asparagus, balsamic vinegar is put on before cooking to create a deep, caramelized flavor.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
Cheesy Balsamic Asparagus with Cranberries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus woody ends removed
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle with avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the spears evenly.1 pound asparagus, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Spread the asparagus on the baking sheet side-by-side in one layer, and sprinkle the cheese on top.2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly caramelized.
- Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter and sprinkle the dried cranberries on top.2 tablespoons dried cranberries
Notes
- For best results, grate the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese typically contains additives which affect the flavor and prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Don’t over-bake! Roasted asparagus should have a bright green color and tender, but not limp or mushy, texture.
Nutrition
If you tried this cheesy asparagus, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
I love regular roasted asparagus but this recipe take asparagus to a whole new level! I love the flavor combination of the asparagus, cheese, and balsamic vinegar!