Baked Asparagus
with Goat Cheese and Bread Crumbs

A delicious side dish of baked asparagus with creamy goat cheese and topped with buttery bread crumbs.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds jumbo or extra-large California asparagus, trimmed
2 1/4 tablespoons butter, melted - divided use
2 ounces fresh white goat cheese, crumbled into bits (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup fresh, white bread crumbs

Cooking Directions:

1. Coat asparagus spears with 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter, then salt lightly.
2. Arrange in an oven-to-table shallow baking dish large enough to hold the asparagus in 1 layer. Evenly distribute cheese bits over asparagus, then sprinkle with bread crumbs. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter over bread crumbs.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) until asparagus is tender-crisp and the bread crumbs lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
   

Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): calories 121; calories from fat 72; fat 8 grams; saturated fat 5 grams; cholesterol 35 mg; sodium 105 mg; carbohydrate 20 grams; dietary fiber 3 grams; protein 6 grams.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of California Asparagus Commission.