asparagus — Blog — Amanda Warren

This Ceasar Asparagus Side Dish is more than just another item on the menu, it’s a culinary experience that gets you excited for your veggies and also adds elegance and flavor to any meal. This dish is the outcome of marrying the smoky, stalks of tender asparagus with the rich, savory allure of Caesar dressing, dusted generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking for something special to add to your weeknight routine, the Baked Asparagus Caesar promises a refreshing twist on traditional greens perfect for a delicious springtime dish.

Imagine the alluring char of grilled asparagus lovingly embraced by the indulgent creaminess of traditional Caesar dressing, sprinkled with a confetti of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and you've got a side dish that's as appetizing to look at as it is to savor. Baked Asparagus Caesar brings a flavor-packed makeover to the dinner table, featuring delightful smokiness along with a creamy and tangy Caesar dressing for a savory punch with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Let this side dish take center stage as it provides a unique way to enjoy the seasonal bounty of asparagus while adding a sophisticated touch to any meal. It's not just easy to prepare, whether on an outdoor grill or in the oven, but it also is a versatile option for any occasion.

There’s lots of Parmesan

Parmesan cheese and asparagus are a match made in culinary heaven, and the main ingredients in the Cesar Asparagus Side Dish. Blanketed with a lavish layer of parmesan, each bite melts into a fusion of nutty and earthy notes that are nothing short of divine. The use of freshly grated parmesan is not just about the taste, but it's also a visual and textural enjoyment. The cheese helps to provide a sumptuous, golden crust that's irresistible. The cheese’s rich flavors compliment the asparagus' natural savor. For those who love their side dishes cheesy, this variation of the Cesar Asparagus Side Dish is a dream come true. It's sublime for cheese aficionados and anyone aiming to add a dash of opulence to their greens. Select a high-quality parmesan for the best flavor. Grate it fresh to ensure the fullest, most aromatic experience. Don't hold back, generosity is key for that decadent cheese layer. After all, this isn't just about adding cheese, it's about creating a sensory experience that lingers long after the meal is over.

Drizzle of Decadence: Caesar Dressing for Asparagus

Caesar dressing isn't just a condiment, it's the soul of the Cesar Asparagus Side Dish, adding character and depth with every drizzle. Its creamy tanginess brought by the nuanced blend of garlic and lemon juice, offers the perfect counterpoint to the asparagus' smokiness. It's versatility allows you to opt for a mayo-based version for convenience, or to stick to tradition with raw coddled eggs. Drizzling the dressing over the grilled or blanched asparagus introduces a fine dining flair to the everyday meal. If you so choose you can craft your own homemade Caesar dressing, ensuring your side dish is free from the unnecessary additives typically found in store-bought varieties. Making your dressing allows you to control the quality and intensity of flavors, guaranteeing each spear of asparagus is enrobed in a rich, seasoned layer of deliciousness.

The construction of a Cesar Asparagus Side Dish begins with a firm base of fresh ingredients that all play pivotal roles in creating a harmonious ensemble. For a dish that's as robust in nutrients as it is in flavor, you obviously need firm, vibrant asparagus spears for their snappy texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese helps to meld the taste into delectable savory notes. The Creamy Caesar dressing will enliven the dish with a tangy zest. Crunchy croutons which offer a textual counterpoint. Just the right amount of seasoning to elevate the inherent flavors will take this dish over the top.

Breadcrumbs Reinvented: Ingredients for the Perfect Toast

Turning our attention to the crunchy breadcrumb, it's transformed into a standout feature within the Cesar Asparagus Side Dish. By choosing the right bread and seasoning them with herbs you can create a top layer that adds an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor to your perfectly cooked asparagus. Opt for a thick, day-old artisan loaf for optimal texture. Season with parsley, garlic, and parmesan for a complementary Caesar flavor. Toast to a perfect golden-brown and then sauté to reach the right level of crunchiness. This isn't just about adding a garnish, it's also about enhancing every facet of the dish to create a symphony of flavors and textures that makes the Cesar Asparagus Side Dish sublime.

Mastering the Roast: How to Make Roasted Asparagus Caesar

Crafting the perfect Roasted Asparagus Caesar is an art that begins with preparation and timing. Here’s how you create magic in the kitchen. Kick things off by heating the oven and prepping the green spears. Toss with olive oil and seasoning, then spread them evenly, awaiting the transformative roast. Patiently roast, allowing time to perfect their tender-crisp nature. Whisk together a Caesar dressing that's as bold as it is indulgent, ready to drape over the asparagus. Effortlessly turn a simple dish of asparagus into a lush, flavor-laden marvel, destined to star beside any entrée.

In essence, the Caesar Asparagus Side Dish is an ode to versatility, seamlessly adapting to stand alongside any main course while singing its own high notes of flavor and elegance. Its readiness to embrace creative tweaks makes it an exciting dish to return to time and again, each variation offering a new experience. Whether you're wielding a spatula at a casual barbecue or setting the table for a formal affair, let the Grilled Asparagus Caesar rejuvenate your appreciation for side dishes. From its sumptuous parmesan embrace to the robust flavor of Caesar dressing, it's a side dish that leaves a memorable impression, each and every time.

Ingredients

2 Packages of Asparagus

1/2 cup large chunks of parmesan cheese

Croutons:

3 Sourdough bread slices, chopped into bite size pieces

1 tsp Italian seasoning

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Ceasar Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425. Wash asparagus and lay out flat on baking sheet. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over top and season with salt and pepper. Add to oven for 12-15 min or until the tip of a knife cuts easily into asparagus.

2. While Asparagus cooked add all dressing ingredients to a blender and mix together until smooth and creamy. Add to a jar and place in fridge.

3. Next chop bread into cube bite size pieces and add to a preheated pan with olive oil and seasoning. Let bake until crispy, stirring often.

4. Once asparagus is done cooking add to a platter and drizzle lightly with Ceasar dressing, putting rest in a small container on the side for guests who want more. Sprinkle top with croutons and large chunks of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately & Enjoy!