Cheesy Balsamic Asparagus with Cranberries

Quick, easy, and festive, cheesy balsamic asparagus with cranberries makes a delicious vegetable side dish! It has a wonderful rich flavor that perfectly compliments any holiday meal.

It’s hard for me to narrow down my favorite vegetable, but, if I had to, it would probably be asparagus. There just aren’t many side dishes that can compete with perfectly roasted asparagus, especially if you add some delicious spices or toppings!

When I pulled cheesy balsamic asparagus out of the oven for the first time, I knew it was going to be a winner! It not only has a beautiful presentation, but also an incredible flavor. The rich cheesiness is perfectly balanced by the sweet and tart flavor of the balsamic vinegar and cranberries.

This is definitely my new favorite way to cook asparagus!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Balsamic Asparagus

Quick and easy – This is the easiest vegetable dish I know of! Within 20 minutes, you can be putting it on the table.

Festive presentation – Cheesy balsamic asparagus not only tastes delicious, but is a beautiful addition to your dinner table!

Rich flavor – The ingredients combine perfectly to give this asparagus a delicious depth of flavor.

Healthy holiday side – Often holiday side dishes are full of sugar or unhealthy carbs, but this is the perfect nourishing way to complete a meal.

Crowd-pleasing vegetable – Usually vegetables aren’t the most exciting part of a meal, but this recipe will have everyone asking for more!

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.

Thankfully, choosing tasty asparagus isn’t hard! Keep the following things in mind to buy the most delicious 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.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat in the oven.

FAQs

Can I freeze cheesy balsamic asparagus? – No, asparagus will lose its delicious texture if frozen.

Can I use mild cheddar cheese? – Yes, if you would like a milder flavor, feel free to use mild cheddar cheese instead of sharp cheddar.

What does cheesy balsamic asparagus pair with? – Asparagus goes wonderfully with almost every type of main dish from steak to fish! With its festive presentation, this recipe is perfect for special holiday meals.

Tools You May Need

16″ x 12″ sheet pan

Measuring cups and spoons

Cheese grater

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Ingredients for Cheesy Balsamic Asparagus

Asparagus – Choose fresh, vibrantly colored asparagus. Asparagus typically has low pesticide residue, so it’s not very important to buy organic.

Sharp cheddar cheese – You can use mild cheddar cheese if you prefer.

Dried cranberries – Apple juice sweetened cranberries are my favorite, but you can use whatever type you have on hand.

Avocado oil – For roasting the asparagus. You could substitute olive oil, but it’s not the best oil for heating.

Balsamic vinegar – Gives this dish a wonderful depth of flavor.

Salt – Sea salt or Himalayan

Pepper – Choose quality pepper without additives or fillers.

How to Make Cheesy Balsamic Asparagus

First, preheat your oven to 400. Then, go ahead and shred the cheese.

Next, wash and dry the asparagus and remove the ends. The tender part of the stalk will easily break off from the woody ends.

Then place the asparagus on the baking sheet and drizzle with avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the stalks evenly.

Now spread the asparagus on the baking sheet side-by-side in one layer, and sprinkle the cheese on top.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. When the asparagus is done, remove it from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Finally, sprinkle the dried cranberries on top.

Enjoy your delicious gourmet asparagus dish!

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome

More Holiday Side Dishes

Healthy Fried Apples

Homemade Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole without Refined Sugar

Fermented Cranberries in Honey

Spiced Oven Roasted Figs