Name: Crispy Parmesan Asparagus: An Easy Side Dish
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 6 large egg whites; 0.25 cup minced fresh chives; 4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed; 0.25 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish; 2 teaspoons ketchup; 0.25 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Elevate your appetizer game with these crispy, golden Parmesan-crusted asparagus spears, a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. In the second, whisk together egg whites and chives until slightly foamy. In the third, mix 4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons flour. (10 minutes)

03

Step

Using tongs, take one asparagus spear at a time and dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg white mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat it generously in the Parmesan cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Place the coated spear on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining asparagus. (20 minutes)

04

Step

Bake in the preheated oven until the Parmesan crust is golden brown and the asparagus is tender-crisp, about 15 minutes. (15 minutes)

05

Step

While the asparagus is baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, horseradish, ketchup, and Cajun seasoning. (5 minutes)

06

Step

Serve the crispy Parmesan-crusted asparagus immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.

For best results, ensure the asparagus spears are dry before coating them. This will help the coatings adhere better.
Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning in the dipping sauce to suit your spice preference.
These asparagus spears are best served immediately while they are still crispy. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low oven (around 200 degrees F) for a short period.
Try adding a pinch of garlic powder to the Parmesan cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.