As a kid, I hated asparagus. Well, pretty much vegetables for that matter. But to this day, I still cringe at the thought of steamed asparagus. They just don’t have any flavor.

It wasn’t until about 2 years ago that I discovered the greatness that was baked asparagus. Now, that is a way you can get me to eat asparagus! Typically, I just bake them and drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sometimes, if I’m feeling saucy, I’ll even squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over them.

Don’t get me wrong, that is a great way to serve them. I can eat them multiple nights a week and not get sick of them. But, if you’re trying to be good, these will let you feel like you’re indulging while still cutting out some major calories.

Baking asparagus already makes them nice and crispy. My personal favorite part is the tips ’cause they get so perfectly crunchy. It really is like munching on a french fry. Ok, these don’t taste good if dipped in ketchup so maybe they’re not that much like a french fry but you follow me, right? Add in a little kick with the red pepper flakes and additional crunch from the panko and you are getting dangerously close to french fry territory my friends!

Oh, and don’t forget about the cheese! Freshly grated Parmesan adds another element to these babies. Let’s just be real here, cheese makes anything and everything better.

If you’re looking for a way to trick your brain from thinking its eating vegetables, this will surely do the trick! Just swapping the asparagus for potatoes cuts out tons of calories. Not to mention these are baked not fried. Bikini season here I come!

…After a couple more runs and P90x workouts.

Crispy Red Pepper and Parmesan Asparagus

  • 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut in half
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbs crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbs salt
  • 1 tbs pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine panko, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a gallon size ziplock bag.

Dip asparagus halves in the egg and then add in the ziplock bag. Seal bag and give it a good shake so that each piece is coated.

Place asparagus halves on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Spray with cooking spray and bake for 15 minutes.

Look at that little baby asparagus. So crunchy and cheesy.

Now, time to squeeze in some reading time before bed. I started the Hunger Games earlier this week and have been super busy after work each night this week and have only read the first few chapters. Guess I won’t be done in time for the premiere on Friday. Womp.

Goodnight y’all! :)