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Crispy Asparagus Asiago Spears Recipe

3.9 from 61 reviews

These Crispy Asparagus Asiago Spears are a deliciously crunchy and cheesy appetizer, perfect for a flavorful snack or elegant side dish with a hint of garlic and paprika.

Ingredients

Scale

Asparagus Spears

  • 24 medium fresh asparagus spears, ends trimmed, approximately 1 pound

Breading & Seasoning

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Asiago cheese, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus extra to taste

Finishing & Serving

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish, optional
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
  • Dipping sauce of choice: aioli, lemon-garlic yogurt sauce, or marinara

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, spreading it lightly, or coat with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare Asparagus: Rinse asparagus spears thoroughly and pat dry. Snap or cut off the woody ends, discarding trimmings.
  3. Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: flour in the first, egg and milk whisked together in the second, and a mixture of panko, 1/2 cup Asiago, optional Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in the third.
  4. Bread Asparagus: Dredge each asparagus spear in flour and shake off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the panko-Asiago mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence.
  5. Arrange Spears: Place coated spears in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each spear.
  6. Apply Oil: Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over coated spears or spray lightly with cooking spray. Turn spears to ensure even oil coverage.
  7. Bake: Bake on middle oven rack for 10 to 14 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp, adjusting timing based on thickness: thin spears 8-10 minutes, medium 10-12 minutes, thick 12-14 minutes.
  8. Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Garnish: Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Asiago cheese, season with additional salt if desired, and garnish with parsley or chives and red pepper flakes, if using.
  10. Serve: Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Adjust baking time based on thickness of asparagus spears for best texture.
  • Broil at the end for extra crispiness but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Use a dipping sauce of choice like aioli, lemon-garlic yogurt sauce, or marinara to enhance flavor.
  • Optional garnishes include Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes for an added kick.

Keywords: Crispy asparagus recipe, Asiago cheese asparagus, baked asparagus spears, cheesy vegetable appetizer, easy asparagus snack