Name: Crispy Parmesan Asparagus
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Side/Snack
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon salt.; 1 bunch trimmed asparagus spears.; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.; 2 beaten eggs.; Cooking spray or olive oil.; 1 cup Panko crumbs.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder.; 1/2 cup standard flour.

Close-up of golden asparagus coated with Parmesan breadcrumbs in a dark dish. | chefemmakitchen.com

Crunchy Cheese-Coated Asparagus That's Sure To Please

The way these Crispy Cheese-Coated Asparagus Spears turn veggie haters into fans is just amazing. There's something magical about that mix of the outer crunch with the soft asparagus inside. I whipped these up on a whim years back when our side dishes needed a makeover, and now my kids ask for them all the time. The way the Parmesan turns all golden and crunchy in just a few minutes of baking is fantastic. They're my go-to for dinner guests because they seem fancy but don't need much effort. I often cook extra batches because they taste great straight from the fridge the day after too.

Your Must-Try Veggie Option

It's hard to imagine such a simple dish could taste this good. When Panko meets Parmesan, you get this wonderful crispy layer while the asparagus stays tender and juicy inside. I make these whenever our dinner needs a little upgrade or when I want a quick but impressive snack for guests. They're always gone in minutes, so I've learned to make twice as much as I think I'll need.

Roasted asparagus with golden crunchy topping arranged on a dark plate, shown in detailed close-up. | chefemmakitchen.com

Grocery Needs

Fresh Asparagus: Go for bright green stalks that aren't too thick
Eggs: 2 large ones for the best coating
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated fresh for better taste
Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup to get that extra crunch
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp to help everything turn golden
Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp for that yummy taste boost
Salt and Pepper: Just enough to bring out all the flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What should I look for in asparagus?: Find stalks that are bright green with tight, firm tips. Avoid spears that feel limp or have a rough, woody bottom. Slim ones tend to be softer.
→ Why trim asparagus ends?: The bottoms are tough. Snap where they naturally break or slice off about an inch, so you’re left with the tender part.
→ Can I prepare these ahead?: They taste best warm and crispy right from the oven. Prepped coatings can be stored, but avoid baking too early or they'll turn soggy.
→ How do I store extra bites?: For leftovers, seal them in the fridge in a container for a couple of days. Reheat in the oven so they’re crispy again. Skip the microwave.
→ Can I substitute the cheese?: Parmesan is perfect for its salty, crispy finish, but you can try alternatives like Romano or Asiago if you’re experimenting.

Crispy Parmesan Asparagus

Lightly breaded asparagus spears baked until crispy with Parmesan and Panko for an easy vegetarian side or snack.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

12 Minutes

Total Time

27 Minutes

By: emma

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Side/Snack

Yield: 4 Servings (16 spears)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 teaspoon salt.

02 1 bunch trimmed asparagus spears.

03 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.

04 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

05 2 beaten eggs.

06 Cooking spray or olive oil.

07 1 cup Panko crumbs.

08 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

09 1/2 cup standard flour.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up your oven to 425°F. Cover a baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Grab three shallow plates: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and the mix of breadcrumbs, cheese, spices, and seasoning in the third.

Step 03

Coat each spear in flour, and tap off the extra.

Step 04

Dip the flour-covered spears into the egg wash, letting excess drip away.

Step 05

Press asparagus into the breadcrumb mix, ensuring all sides are covered.

Step 06

Lay them out in a single row on the tray.

Step 07

Give the top a spray or pour over a little oil.

Step 08

Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they're soft and browned.

Notes

For crispier spears, leave space between them; don’t let them touch while cooking.

Tools You'll Need

A baking pan.

Parchment paper.

Three shallow plates.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Includes dairy (Parmesan).
Contains wheat (flour and breadcrumbs).
Made with eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 8 g
Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
Protein: 9 g