Introduction:
Cheesy Baked Asparagus with Gruyère cheese, garlic, and bacon is a decadent and flavorful side dish that elevates the humble asparagus to a whole new level. Roasted to perfection with crispy bacon and the nutty richness of Gruyère, this dish makes for a perfect accompaniment to any main course or can even stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian (if you omit the bacon) option. The garlic adds an aromatic touch, and the creamy cheese melts beautifully over the tender asparagus. Ideal for special occasions or weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving a little bacon grease in the pan.
Sauté garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the asparagus evenly.
Bake the asparagus: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the asparagus for about 12-15 minutes, or until tender but still slightly crisp.
Add cheese and bacon: Once the asparagus is roasted, sprinkle the sautéed garlic and crispy bacon over the top. Then, add the shredded Gruyère cheese and sprinkle with optional Parmesan.
Broil to perfection: Switch the oven to broil, and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a slight golden color on top.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Description:
Cheesy Baked Asparagus with Gruyère, garlic, and bacon is the ultimate comfort food side dish. The asparagus becomes beautifully tender after roasting, while the combination of garlic and bacon adds a savory depth of flavor. The Gruyère cheese melts into a creamy, rich topping, bringing a subtle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables. With the option to add a sprinkling of Parmesan, this dish is incredibly versatile and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Tips:
For an extra flavor boost, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
If you prefer a less greasy version, cook the bacon on a separate baking sheet in the oven, and drain it on paper towels before adding it to the asparagus.
Use fresh asparagus for the best results. If using frozen asparagus, adjust the roasting time accordingly.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and replace it with toasted nuts (like almonds or pine nuts) for a similar crunch.
Feel free to swap Gruyère for another cheese like Fontina or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Corrections:
Ensure you don’t overcook the asparagus; it should still have a slight crispness after roasting.
Adjust the broil time to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. Keep a close eye on it while broiling.
Depending on the size of the asparagus, you may need to slightly adjust the roasting time to ensure even cooking.
