This Caprese Asparagus recipe is a crowd-pleaser! The crisp roasted asparagus pairs perfectly with blistered tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Cheesy Asparagus with Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil
Tomato and mozzarella is a classic combination. It pairs well with the texture and flavor of roasted asparagus. The balsamic glaze adds a delightful amount of sweetness while the basil adds a pop of freshness. Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables and I love trying out new ways to serve it and this recipe is a winner. I’ve enjoyed asparagus and tomato recipes in the past but this one is on another level. It feels decadent while still being light and of course, yummy!
Are you looking for another amazing and creative asparagus recipe? You should try Cheesy Roasted Asparagus Casserole with your next meal.
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Asparagus
- Ready in 30 minutes. The tomatoes and asparagus are cooked to perfection in just 30 minutes.
- Easy to Make. There is minimal prep needed to make this recipe, saving you time in the kitchen without sacrificing taste.
- Pairs with any dinner. You can serve caprese asparagus with any meal that you like! It pairs beautifully with any protein.
What You’ll Need
Here are the 7 ingredients needed to make this savory but sweet recipe for asparagus caprese.
- Asparagus: Make sure the asparagus is as fresh as possible. You’ll need a good-sized bunch for this recipe.
- Olive oil: Avocado oil can be used as well. This is to help roast the asparagus. If you choose to finish the dish with an oil drizzle, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt and pepper: I keep the seasoning simple with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The other ingredients add plenty of bold flavors!
- Cherry tomatoes: The sweetness of cherry tomatoes is my favorite for this recipe. Grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute if you prefer.
- Mozzarella: I’m biased and like to use fresh mozzarella where I can. Shredded mozzarella melts perfectly and has the most authentic flavor.
- Balsamic glaze: You can find balsamic glaze in the condiment aisle of most grocery stores. You can also make it yourself by reducing balsamic vinegar until thick and sweet.
- Basil leaves: A garnish of fresh basil enhances the rest of the ingredients in this Caprese roasted asparagus recipe.
How to Make Caprese Asparagus
This recipe is very easy to make. It takes a short amount of preparation so you spend less time in the kitchen.
- Prepare the oven and sheet pan. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay out the asparagus. Arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook asparagus. Place in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and charred.
- Prep cherry tomatoes. Place the tomatoes in a separate baking dish. Coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook tomatoes. Roast for 10-15 minutes or until blistered.
- Combine ingredients. Top the charred asparagus with the blistered tomatoes and fresh mozzarella slices.
- Melt the cheese. Return the pan to the oven for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Add garnishes. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the caprese asparagus and sprinkle with basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil if you choose.
- Serve. Enjoy it with your favorite dinner!
Tips for Success
- Use thick asparagus. Thick asparagus spears can hold up to the roasting process better than thin asparagus.
- Trim the ends. The ends are tough so be sure to trim 1-2 inches off the bottoms of each piece of asparagus.
- Don’t overcook the veggies. Only cook them until they are just tender and have color. If left in the oven too long, the tomatoes can take on a mushy texture.
What to Serve with Caprese Asparagus
The best part about this asparagus and tomato recipe is that it goes well with any protein. I love it with chicken and the flavors go really well with Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Pork is wonderful as well. The sweet, garlic flavors of Honey Garlic Pork Chops complement the caprese asparagus so well.
A classic pairing is meatloaf and mashed potatoes. However, making Stuffed Meatloaf with this recipe gives comfort food an elegant twist.
I even enjoy Pan Seared Scallops with caprese asparagus because of the simple, mild flavors of scallops.
Storage Directions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Place the leftover asparagus caprese on a sheet pan and warm at 350 degrees F for just a few minutes.
More Vegetable Side Dishes
- Southern Collard Greens Recipe
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Parmesan Zucchini
- Honey Glazed Carrots
- Fried Green Beans
Caprese Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus tough ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred.
- Meanwhile, place the cherry tomatoes in a small baking dish. Drizzle with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until they are blistered and starting to burst, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the asparagus from the oven and scatter the sliced fresh mozzarella and blistered cherry tomatoes over the top. Return to the oven and bake just until the mozzarella is melted, about 3-5 minutes.
- Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze all over the asparagus, melted mozzarella, and tomatoes. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. If desired, finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Serve the oven-melted Caprese asparagus warm. Enjoy!
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
- Use thick asparagus spears if possible, as they hold up better to roasting.
- Balsamic glaze can be found in most grocery stores near the vinegar. You can also make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces to a syrupy consistency.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of the warm, charred asparagus and the melted mozzarella with the cool, fresh basil.
- However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place the leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Be aware that reheating may cause the tomatoes to become softer and the basil to darken.
Nutrition
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