Ingredients
Asparagus and Seasoning
- 1 pound fresh asparagus stalks, woody ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons grated garlic
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Cheese Toppings
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Foil: Preheat your oven or gas grill to 425°F. Tear off four pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12x12 inches. Lightly spray or brush the center of each foil piece with non-stick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, grated garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, dried parsley flakes, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to create a flavorful oil mixture.
- Coat Asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus in a large mixing bowl or baking dish, then toss with the seasoned oil mixture until all asparagus spears are evenly coated.
- Assemble Foil Packets: Divide the asparagus into four equal portions (about 5-7 spears each). Place each portion in the center of a prepared foil piece. Fold the long sides up and fold over at the top, then seal the short ends to create loose foil packets, ensuring they are not tightly closed to allow easy opening later.
- Start Cooking: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet if using the oven, or directly on the grill grates if grilling. Cook for 7 minutes to begin softening the asparagus.
- Add Cheese and Continue Cooking: Carefully open each foil packet, watching for steam. Add about a heaping ½ cup (a quarter of the shredded mozzarella) into each packet. Reseal the packets and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes until the cheese melts and asparagus is tender.
- Remove from Heat: Use tongs to take the packets off the grill or remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Serve with Parmesan: Open each foil packet and sprinkle with a teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Be cautious when opening foil packets as steam will be very hot.
- You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a smokier flavor, use a charcoal grill instead of gas.
- To make vegetarian, ensure cheese is suitable for vegetarians.
- Leftover asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
