Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks.
Who would have ever thought I would get excited about seeing something green on sale in the grocery store?
Not me.
But that’s what happened when I walked by these super thin asparagus spears. How often do I find thin asparagus that doesn’t look half dead and is on sale? Rarely.
And I sort of like asparagus. Sort of. And by “sort of,” I mean I can chew a spear or two without wanting to upchuck.
The whole upchucking thing usually doesn’t happen until the third of fourth spear.
But I figured I could possibly prevent that mess if I coated these in something crispy and cheesy. That combination never fails.
These were so incredibly easy to make and tasted delicious – kind of like little asparagus “fries.” I made a big batch yesterday and ate nearly all of them before deciding to let Mr. How Sweet in on the goodness. He tasted one and decided he loved them so much that he would take the remaining ones for lunch today. I’m not quite sure how well they will reheat, but for someone who will eat an eight-day old burger with moldy cheese from the depths of our fridge… I think they will certainly fit the bill.
I also think that these will taste even better with thicker asparagus spears. While I love the thin ones (thin = less vegetable chewing), the thick ones will be extra crunchy and get more crispy and cheesy. I’m all for more crisp and cheese. Who isn’t?
Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of asparagus, mine had about 30 spears
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cup flour, I used whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lay a wire rack on a baking sheet and coat with non-stick spray.
- Snap off the tough ends of each asparagus spear. On two separate plates, add the eggs whites (lightly beaten) and the panko + flour + cheese. Season the panko mixture with salt and pepper if desires. Coat each asparagus spear in egg whites, then lay in the panko mixture and thoroughly cover. If the panko won’t stick, dip back in the egg whites and roll in panko once again. Lay each spear on the wire rack.
- Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Okay. That’s enough of the green stuff for me.
262 Comments on “Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks.”
Now THAT’S how to eat a vegetable :D
Amen to that!
Great recipe, Jess! I bet they would also be really good in a horseradish dipping sauce!
Yum! I just bought super thin asparagus, too! I was going to make soup, but I think you’ve talked me into these instead!!!!
I love crispy coated veggies like this! Its kind of like healthy tempura to me :)
Looks delicious :)
What a way to get veggie servings in! Yum! :D
Oh wow! I haven’t had asparagus in forever! They’re always so expensive, or like you said…on death’s doorstep! Looks fantastic! I’ll have to be on the lookout for some decent looking ones next time I’m at the store!
I now feel the need to dunk all my veggies in parmsean&bread crumbs and call it a day.
Delicious! Are you one of the many whose pee smells after they eat asparagus? Is that too personal of a question?
Mine does! ;)
Hahahahah… I’ve never noticed it.
It’s the craziest thing EVER! The first time I tried asparagus (a few years ago) it happened to me. I thought something was wrong with me, so much that I actually had to google it. ASPARAGUS was the culprit, and it doesn’t take a lot! It will probably gross you out, but take notice next time you go potty after eating asparagus. I eat it anyway, the more the better (with melted cheese drizzled all over it!)
I was talking about this the other day with someone when eating an asparagus quiche! Some people can’t smell it, but the veggie creates a sulphuric smell in urine after being digested because of an acid reaction. Here are two science-y articles about the phenom. :D Weird, who knew?
That looks a lot better than most of the asparagus I see!
These look so tasty. Asparagus is my favorite veggie!
I’m not a big fan of asparagus…but if I am going to eat it, it may as well be coated in a crispy crunchy coating like this! Good idea :)
Making this. Totally making this.
Oh yum! I love asparagus, but the boyfriend hates it. I bet I could get him to eat these though!
So weird, lately! I made these recently, inspired by tempura fried veggies I had at a restaurant near me. Yours look awesome!
I love the thin spears. They are perfect for roasting with a little olive oil and seasoned salt and really crisp up in the oven. I convince myself they are a healthy substitute for french fries. I have never thought to coat them with cheese and panko crumbs…what a great idea. Guess I will have to head to the produce market to day as I really have to try these for dinner. Thanks!!
These look great Jess! In my house, I’m the veggie-a-holic and my roommate eats cheese on just about everything, so I think this recipe would be a good compromise!
Oh man, this time of year finding good asparagus is impossible. And cheese makes everything better. Everything.
It’s just coming into season so hopefully you can find some good stuff soon!!
Yes, I have been noticing it at the store too. And soon the farmer’s markets will start up. I can’t wait!!
Asparagus is amazing! I love when it goes on sale because those little bundles can be expensive! Great coating too.
Even parmesan encrusted I can’t do asparagus. It always makes me want to upchuck. Dang competition training.
I hear ya. It took me nearly two years! I still can’t eat much.
MIND = BLOWN
Good for you for using asparagus! I make something similar- drizzle cooked and blanced asparagus with evoo, lemon, panko and parmesan. So easy and so good!
How gorgeous-what a perfect spring recipe!
Having just ordered aspargus smothered in morbier cheese and topped with melba toast and rocket at a restaurant on the weekend, I know I’d love these!
That sounds so good!
I love asparagus. Even if it does make certain things stinky. It’s a fave veggies of mine :)
YUM crispy vegetables! This looks great.
What a gourmet style recipe! I imagine these would tempt even the most vegetable-hating kids!
I haven’t been loving asparagus lately, but this could turn me around!
These asparagus look fabulous! A great way to get my kids to eat them :)
Yum! So happy that asparagus is in season. Those look divine!
I truly love roasted asparagus, and this crispy panko & cheese coating must make them even more delicious!
Asparagus is great when baked/ roasted in the oven!
I actually like asparagus a lot! I’m sure the crispy coating make them even better!!
One of my favorite (easy) ways to make asparagus is to drizzle it with olive oil and balsamic, sprinkle with peppa and sea salt and bake it, soooo delish! And I really don’t like green veggies either!
I think most veggies taste great coated in breadcrumbs :) Good call!
We just had our first asparagus of the season!! Mmmm…so good!
I love, love, love asparagus! I’ve got to try this once I find some decent looking asparagus in my area.
These look amazing! I could use a switch up from my normal steaming of asparagus too. I will definitely be trying these out.
Wow those look great! I wish I liked asparagus, it is literally the only vegetable that I can’t stand! Perhaps I could try the Parmesan crust with broccoli or zucchini!
I think it would work!
I LOVE asparagus! It is one of my go-to vegetables. Coat them in cheese + panko and I’m all over it!
I am in love with this recipe! I love asparagus and I love parmesan!!! My hubby thinks parm smells like dirty feet, so I will get this delectable side all to myself ;-)
Hahahahah so does mine! But he still eats it.
This is ideal for dipping…which is pretty much the ideal way to eat vegetables of any sort ;)
I know, I should have made a dipping sauce!
I love these – an asparagus snack!
Mmmm. Asparagus is one of my favorite green things. Those look great!
anything that closely resembles or is like french fries is right up my alley!! I will be trying this. I’ll take a break from real fries for awhile…give my arteries a break!
LOOKS SO GOOD..i love asparagus!
As georgeous as those are…I just cant do asparagus right now LOL….but that topping would be SO SO SO good on zuchinni slices or eggplant!!
I know how you feel!
I love that asparagus is popping up again! So good. We’ve found the roasting them is absolutely insane-delicious, and my husband can eat the whole pan if I make ’em that way (despite being from the Midwest and occasionally being weirded out by my vegetable obsession) ;)
Yes! Roasting them is really the only way I like it too.
YUM! These look amazing! I’m in love with asparagus, so I’ll have to try this.
You, my dear, are a genius!
I had to laugh out loud when reading the begining of your post… I totally squeeled when I saw thin asparagus on sale when we went to the store Sat morning for our dinner party. Thin asparagus is the BEST! …I roasted mine in the oven, but how could you go wrong with breading ;)
Hahah glad I’m not the only one!