Cheesy Salt and Pepper Asparagus
Asparagus roasted with olive oil, mozzarella, and black pepper—broiled until bubbly and browned.
Cheesy salt and pepper asparagus is the kind of side dish that disappears fast. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the asparagus, while salt, pepper, and olive oil keep the flavors bold and simple. But the real magic? A thick layer of melty mozzarella cheese, broiled until bubbly and browned.
The tips crisp up under the broiler and soak in all that cheesy, salty, peppery goodness—making this dish more than just a veggie side. It’s quick to prep, ultra-satisfying, and ideal for everything from weeknight meals to Sunday dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and easy. It takes just a few minutes of prep and less than 15 minutes in the oven.
- Wonderful textures. Roasting gives you tender spears with crispy tips, and the cheese adds golden, melty edges.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. Salt, pepper, olive oil, and mozzarella are all you need for something seriously good.
- Perfect for any dinner. Serve it with roast chicken, pasta, steak, or even brunch.
Ingredients
- Asparagus: One fresh bunch—thicker spears work especially well for broiling with cheese. If you can only find thin spears, roast them for a much shorter time, just until tender and still a nice green color.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin for roasting; helps with crisping and flavor.
- Kosher salt & coarsely ground black pepper: Key to the dish’s bold seasoning.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded, preferably whole milk for the best melt and browning.
How to Make It
- Preheat the oven and trim the asparagus, snapping off the woody ends. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper right on the baking sheet.
- Roast the spears until just tender—about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness. Then remove them from the oven and switch the setting to broil.
- Top the hot asparagus with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and return it to the oven. Broil just until the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots.
- Finish with a final sprinkle of salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Recipe Variations
- Try Parmesan instead. Shredded Parmesan gives it a sharper edge and a cacio e pepe vibe.
- Add a squeeze of lemon. A little fresh lemon juice before serving brightens it up.
- Spice it up. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning for heat.
- Use provolone or fontina. Both melt well and add a slightly different cheesy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside air fryer roast chicken, steak, or pork chops.
- Add to a brunch spread with baked eggs or quiche.
- Pair with roasted garlic pasta or a mushroom risotto for a simple but comforting vegetarian meal.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze? Not recommended, as the texture of the asparagus and cheese will suffer.
To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melty again.
Cheesy Salt and Pepper Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for finishing
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 425 F.
- Prep the asparagus. Trim the asparagus, cutting or snapping off the woody ends. Arrange the spears on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the asparagus with oil and toss with the kosher salt and coarse-ground pepper.
- Bake. Roast the asparagus for about 10 to 12 minutes or until just tender. Remove the asparagus to a rack and set the oven to broil.
- Broil. Top the asparagus with the mozzarella cheese and place it back in the oven. Broil for 1 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is melty and browned in places.
- Plate and serve. Transfer the asparagus to a serving plate and finish with a light sprinkle of kosher salt and coarsely ground pepper.
Nutrition
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes ingredient lists to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
