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Irresistible Parmesan Asparagus Spears That Win Everyone Over
These Toasty Parmesan Asparagus Sticks are hands down the best way I've found to get stubborn kids to munch on veggies. There's something about that crisp exterior with soft asparagus inside that works wonders. I whipped these up for the first time a few years back when I was bored with our regular sides and now my family asks for them all the time. The golden cheese layer gets wonderfully crunchy in the oven and takes barely any time to put together. They're my go-to for guests too because they seem fancy but couldn't be easier. I often make a bigger batch so I can snack on leftovers straight from the fridge tomorrow.
Your Soon-to-be Treasured Side Dish
It's hard to grasp how these basic ingredients turn into something so tasty. That crispy mix of Panko and Parmesan makes an amazing outer layer while keeping the asparagus perfectly tender on the inside. I throw these together whenever our dinner needs a lift or when I want a quick but impressive starter for friends. They're gone in minutes so I usually cook twice as much.
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Shopping List
- Asparagus: Look for bright green stalks that aren't overly thick
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup to give that extra crunch
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated fresh makes all the difference
- Eggs: 2 large ones to help everything stick
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp for that knockout taste
- Salt and Pepper: Just a bit to bring out all the flavors
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp to help with browning
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What should I look for when buying asparagus?
Pick asparagus that's bright green with firm, tight tips. Avoid spears that feel wilted or woody. Thinner spears are often more tender than thick ones.
- → Why is trimming asparagus important?
The ends of the stalks can be tough and inedible. Snap them where they naturally break, or slice about an inch off for better results.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
They're tastiest right out of the oven. If cooked too early, the coating might lose its crispiness. You can, however, ready the breading mixture beforehand.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to crisp them up again instead of using the microwave.
- → Can I swap Parmesan for another cheese?
Parmesan gives the best flavor and crunch, but cheeses like Romano or Asiago could be a good twist for a change.