Crispy Cheesy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It's crucial to preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. I've made the mistake of not doing so in the past, and it just left me with unevenly cooked asparagus!

Arrange your cleaned and trimmed asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. I recommend using asparagus that's medium thickness for the best texture after roasting.

Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil. Sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper evenly over the top. Toss everything together, making sure that every spear is coated evenly. This step is crucial for the asparagus to gain all the flavors and ensures it roasts perfectly.

Roast the asparagus in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still crisp and vibrant. The amount of time could vary depending upon the thickness of the asparagus.

Soon after you remove it from the oven, while the asparagus is still hot, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over top. The heat from the asparagus will partially melt the Parmesan, creating a great blend of flavors.

If desired, you can also add some freshly grated lemon zest over the top for an extra burst of flavor. I often find this adds a refreshing note to the otherwise savory dish.

Serve immediately while it's still warm for the best taste. This side dish goes particularly well with grilled meats or fish.