Broiled Asparagus with Parmesan Bread Crumbs

Indulge in a delectable and easy-to-prepare dish with our Broiled Asparagus with Parmesan Bread Crumbs recipe. This delightful side dish combines the natural goodness of fresh asparagus with the savory crunch of homemade bread crumbs infused with the rich flavor of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The result is a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes that will elevate any meal. Additionally, if you prefer a different hard grating cheese, such as Pecorino or Cotija, you can easily substitute it for the Parmigiano to suit your taste.

SERVES 4 TO 6 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed and torn into rough chunks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated (about ½ cup)  (You can use Pecorino, Cotija, or any other hard grating cheese as a substitute.)
• 1 pound asparagus, tough bottoms trimmed, stalks peeled if desired
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Bread Crumbs: Preheat the broiler to high.
2. In a food processor, add the torn white bread chunks, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
3. Pulse the ingredients until coarse crumbs are formed, creating the flavorful Parmesan bread crumbs for our dish.
4. Toast the Bread Crumbs: Melt the remaining tablespoon of unsalted butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the bread crumbs to the skillet and cook, tossing and stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and become crisp. This will take about 5 minutes.
6. Transfer the toasted bread crumbs to a medium bowl and add the finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (or your chosen hard grating cheese).
7. Toss the mixture to combine, and season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Set aside.
8. Prepare and Broil the Asparagus: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a foil-lined broiler pan or rimmed baking sheet.
9. Drizzle the asparagus with extra-virgin olive oil, ensuring even coating, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
10. Broil the Asparagus: Place the pan with the asparagus about 2 inches from the heating element in the broiler.
11. Broil the asparagus until they become tender and develop a delightful char, which usually takes about 8 minutes.
12. Final Touch and Serving: Once the asparagus are perfectly cooked, sprinkle the toasted Parmesan bread crumbs generously over the top.
13. Serve the Broiled Asparagus with Parmesan Bread Crumbs with lemon wedges on the side, allowing your guests to add a tangy twist as they desire.

This Broiled Asparagus with Parmesan Bread Crumbs recipe is sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests with its delicious combination of flavors and textures. It’s an excellent side dish that pairs wonderfully with various main courses, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!