Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 to 2 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus, washed, dried and bottoms trimmed 

• 2 to 3 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 medium size garlic clove, minced (optional)

• 1 lemon cut in wedges for serving (optional)

• 1/3 to 1/2 cup freshly grated or shaved Parmesan 

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees f

Place asparagus in large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic. Toss and coat well. Place on baking sheet or oven safe baking dish in a single layer. Bake on middle rack of oven for 12 to 20 minutes, until just tender. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan, return to oven for an additional minute. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over top. Enjoy!  

Tips

Roasting time will vary depending on the size of the asparagus - larger/thicker asparagus will take longer to reach desired tenderness and smaller/thinner asparagus will roast much faster. 

Freshly minced garlic tossed in is wonderful. Fresh lemon juice squeezed over top when serving is wonderful too - both garlic and lemon are optional but highly recommended.