Cheddar Panko Asparagus

 

Today I am sharing a recipe for Cheddar Panko Asparagus.  Well, I guess if I'm honest, this isn't really a recipe.  It is more of a method.

I pinned this recipe years ago, and finally got around to trying it last week as part of my efforts to get back into my Pinterest boards and actually try a lot of the pins that have been hanging out on those boards for far too long.

So, this is how I made Cheddar Panko Asparagus for my family. . .

First, I steamed the asparagus until it was just crisp tender.  This only took about three minutes once the water started boiling.

My steamer is from Ikea.  Here is a similar one that I have used in the past from Amazon.

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I then spread the steamed asparagus out on a parchment lined baking pan and seasoned with salt and pepper.

I sprinkled the asparagus with grated cheddar cheese.  You can put on as much or as little as you like.

Next, I sprinkled panko that has been tossed with a bit of oil over all.  This is one bundle of asparagus and I used about 1/4 cup panko tossed with about 1 tsp. avocado oil.  

I popped it under the broiler until the cheese was melted and the panko was golden.  Keep an eye on this because the panko can go from golden to burned in a matter of seconds.

My family and I ate this with our Sunday dinner and here are my thoughts about it and how it went over with the husband and kids.

First, I want to say that I liked it.  My husband liked it too.  My kids thought it was ok.  In the end, the entire pan was eaten, so I count it as a win.  Most of my family said that while they liked it, they preferred their asparagus just steamed, which is the way I usually cook it.  Since that is easier, cheaper and healthier, that is probably what I will stick to from now on.  However, I will say that I feel that this presentation is much nicer than just steamed asparagus, so I might pull it out again for company.

I also think this method would work well for a lot of other vegetables.  I am thinking it might be worth a try with broccoli, cauliflower, or even green beans.

I originally pinned this recipe from Simple Seasonal.  Head over there to check out her post for more detailed instructions and prettier pictures. 

I am so glad I finally gave this pin for Cheddar Panko Asparagus a try.  It was nice to change things up from the way I normally cook asparagus.  I think it was definitely worth it!