Lemon Roasted Asparagus Gratin

Submitted by Chef mariajane

"The fresh taste of asparagus gets even better hen paired with lemon and a crisp cheese topping. This is easy enough for a weeknight yet inpressive enough for entertaining."

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs asparagus spears, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup coarse fresh breadcrumb
• 1 1 cup old cheddar cheese or 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed

directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F Spread asparagus even in a 13x9-inch glass baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, mash together butter, garlic, lemon zest, pepper and salt. Drop in small dots over asparagus spears in a baking dish. Roast for about 15 minutes, shaking dish haflway to coat asparagus in butter, or until asparagus is just tender-crisp and starting to brown.
3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cheese and lemon juice; sprinkle over asparagus and bake for about 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Broil 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
4. COOKING TIP: In place of asparagus, substitute 6 cups broccoli and/or cauliflower florets or 1 lb. trimmed green beans. Increase roasting time to 25 minutes.

Reviews

[Veggie Girl Kacey]

I found this recipe in the milk calendar we received in the mail years ago and found it to be wonderful. We skipped the zest and used real lemon juice instead. 1 cup of breadcrumbs was too much so I just lightly seasoned the asparagus. We are a family who loves cheese so that was no problem at all!

 

[breezermom]

As posted, I would have to give this 1 or zero stars. However, if you leave the bread crumb cheese topping off, it is a 4. The topping amount is excessive, and totally obliterates the wonderful taste of the asparagus underneath. I dug mine out and used them that way. I'm sure you could use the topping, but in a reduced amount. I have tried to combine the ratings, and since I can't give a 2 1/2, I've rounded up! I love asparagus, and really think this recipe can be improved by greatly decreasing the amount of bread crumbs, cheese, and maybe adding a little butter or margarine to that mixture to form a nice topping. Thanks for posting. Made for New Kids on the Block Tag!