Name: Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Crispy Shallots
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 bunch of asparagus (about 1 lb); 2 cloves of garlic, minced; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup finely shredded parmesan (omit if dairy-free); 1 shallot - sliced; ¼ cup + 1 tbsp avocado oil

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This Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Crispy Shallots is packed full of cheesy garlic flavor. The crispy shallots on top are so delicious and so easy to make. You are going to love this recipe!

overhead view of Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Crispy Shallots on a white plate

This Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Crispy Shallots recipe is an easy dinner side that makes a delicious addition to any main dish. This recipe is hands down my favorite way to eat asparagus. They are already one of my favorite vegetables, but this method is just so delicious! It has easily become a family favorite on my dinner table. It is a versatile dish and goes great for a holiday meal or in the springtime with asparagus in season.

Easy and delicious holiday side dish

This roasted asparagus recipe is the perfect side dish to impress a crowd during the holidays or Thanksgiving dinner! It is always good to have a healthy vegetable with a holiday meal, but this recipe is not your average boring vegetable. It is made with simple ingredients but packed with flavor from the garlic, parmesan, and shallots. The asparagus is coated in garlic and parmesan for a delicious flavor in every bite. And the best part is the crisp shallots sprinkled on top. Think the crispy onions we all know and love on top of the traditional green bean casserole, but even better and only one ingredient. Or two if you count the avocado oil they are fried in.

Use your Thanksgiving leftovers!

Make this Turkey Pot Pie filled with leftover turkey, vegetables, a creamy sauce and topped with a flaky pie crust.

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Selecting asparagus

When selecting fresh asparagus spears at the grocery store, I recommend selecting thin asparagus. I find that the asparagus tastes better when it is thinner and has a better texture. And did you know that asparagus is a part of the Clean Fifteen? That means that when tested for pesticide residue, it came back very low. I like to use this list when keeping a grocery budget in mind because it is a list I feel comfortable buying conventional produce instead of organic to save a little bit of money. This recipe is one of my favorite easy asparagus recipes! Another recipe that I love is this Ricotta and Asparagus Frittata, it is made in a 9×13 baking dish and is the perfect dish to make for a family brunch or for meal prep.

Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?

This oven-roasted asparagus recipe is made with six simple ingredients and is naturally gluten-free, making it a great celiac-friendly option for the holiday table. If you would like to make a dairy-free recipe, you can simply leave off the parmesan cheese, and it will still be super tasty! Another delicious side dish that is gluten-free, and dairy-free is this Bacon and Brussels Sprouts recipe.

Tools to make this recipe

Sheet Pan– This is my favorite sheet pan! It is made from stainless steel so it is nontoxic.

Microplane Grater/Zester– Using a microplane zester is the easiest way to grate your parmesan very fine. I love having this tool in my kitchen.

Small frying pan – I recommend using a very small pan so that you only need to use a small amount of oil. The size you would use to fry an egg in is perfect. This is the one I used and it was the perfect size.

Ingredients for Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Crispy Shallots

Asparagus – I prefer to use thinner asparagus, I find that the thicker asparagus is a little too fibrous. But you can use whichever is your personal preference. The cooking time can vary depending on how thick they are. Prepare for baking by trimming the ends of the asparagus.
Fresh garlic – Minced garlic cloves give the asparagus a delicious flavor. In a pinch, you could use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Salt – I like using a mineral-rich salt like Redmond Real Salt, or sea salt is another great option.
Parmesan cheese – I recommend using finely grated parmesan so it covers the asparagus evenly. Use a microplane to easily shred fresh parmesan.
Shallot – Cut the shallots into thin rings (see pictured).
Avocado oil – The shallots are fried in a thin layer of avocado oil. This is the oil that I would recommend for this application. Olive oil is not good to fry with and has too strong of a flavor.

How to make Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Crispy Shallots recipe

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut the woody ends off of the asparagus and add to a sheet pan. Add one tablespoon of avocado oil, salt, minced garlic, and half of the parmesan cheese. Toss the asparagus stalks around to evenly coat and then spread into a single layer. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over top.

Roast asparagus for 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. If you want to make the edges crispy, broil for a few extra minutes.

While the asparagus is roasting, fry the shallots. In a small pan, add 1/4 cup avocado oil and heat over medium. You may need to adjust the amount of oil depending on the size of the pan. You will want a shallow layer of oil, but enough to completely cover the shallots.

When the oil is hot and simmering, add the shallots. Stir the shallots every couple of minutes to ensure they cook evenly. Cook until the shallots are golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the oil and add to a plate lined with a paper towel to remove the excess oil.

Add the asparagus to a serving dish and then sprinkle the crispy shallots on top. Serve and enjoy!

How to store the asparagus

To store asparagus add to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-5 days. The best way to reheat is to add it back to the oven for 5 minutes or until warm.