Roasted asparagus. Parmesan-panko coating. And a little kick of spice. Oh yes.
These crispy asparagus sticks are not french fry replacements (for that, I already have my yellow and green beans as healthy truffle fries) but trust me, they are also extremely addicting and satisfying. Just imagine: one of the most nutritious veggies out there, coated in cheese and crumbs, crispy, spicy, hot off the oven. They’re tantalizing.
I saw a recipe for Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks and immediately knew that I wanted to make them.
Jessica from How Sweet It Is often has the most mouth-watering recipes and these asparagus sticks are no exception.
plus it's really hard not to like anything covered in panko
I made some modifications to Jessica’s original recipe: I used whole eggs instead of just egg whites, I didn’t use flour (only because I ran out), and I added some cayenne pepper to the coating mixture for a little bit of spice.
Crispy Asparagus Spears
(original recipe from How Sweet It Is)
1 bunch of asparagus (I had about two dozen medium spears)
2 eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. If you have a wire rack, you can lay it on a baking sheet and coat with non-stick spray. If you don’t (I don’t), just cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut off the tough ends of the asparagus. On two separate plates, prepare the eggs (lightly beaten) and the panko, cheese, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper. Coat each asparagus spear in egg, then roll in the panko mixture and thoroughly cover.
Bake at 425 for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
spicy, crispy, parmesan and panko-covered asparagus sticks
I wasn’t expecting pomme frites but these crispy spears did remind me of french fries. I prepared a sriracha-ketchup dipping sauce, but didn’t really need it because the slightly spicy, very cheesy coating was so flavorful already.
This is a great party snack, TV companion, side dish, or an answer to a I-want-something-crispy-and-salty-and-spicy craving. Try it, you’ll like it 
Aside from potatoes, what kinds of vegetables do you use for making fries?
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
These look delicious, and I just happen to have a bag of asparagus in the fridge!
I love fried zucchini!!! These look great
These look amazing! I always have some panko on hand and asparagus are a staple! I have to make them soon!
They look delicious! Yum. What a great way to get your veggies.
I saw these on Jessica’s blog recently – yours look just as spectacular!
Bianca, these look so so delicious! I love them!! I always admire your creativity with veggies
ooo! cool idea to add the panko. I bet that made them nice and crispy! Looks delicious.
YUMMM ive been obsessed with asparagus this spring, but im pretty sure this trumps my recent adventure in blanching!
Those look delicious – I love asparagus and this such a fun way to switch things up!
I love the addition of the cayanne pepper! These look awesome.
Those asparagus looks amazing!! The combination of flavors sounds perfect too.
Yum! I love asparagus anyway, but this makes it ten times better!
Seriously, what can’t you do to asparagus. It’s so good.
Delicious! I would smother them in ketchup.
Ooh, I’m making those for dinner. I already have everything for the recipe, score!
Besides ptotatoes I’ve made “fries” out of parsnips, not too bad.
I made something really similar but used the flour and ground the panko up first. I loved the variety of texture in these.
Can’t wait to see you tonight!
I don’t know what it is with asparagus at the moment – but it’s fabulous and actually affordable. Great recipe – I usually pop it in the oven with a little spray oil, salt and pepper and try to wait until it’s cooked
Like I said last night, I definitely want to try this recipe soon!
Fabulous! All I have to buy are the asparagus, eggs, breadcrumbs, and parmesan, and I’m all set
(I’ve got the cayenne already…)
I saw this on Jess’s blog and SWOONED. LOVE asparagus! That crispy coating sounds delightful!
I HAVE to make this…definitely. I love asparagus so much and the crispy coating is awesome.
YOU JUST MADE VEGETABLES LOOK LIKE CANDY!!! <3
Oh what a great idea -these look delicious!
What a great idea for asparagus! I love it, but I’ve never made it like this. Sounds delicious!
These look fantastic!! I love asparagus and this preparation sounds aweosme!
ooh, those do look amazing. love a good crunch
Okay….these may just convince me to try asparagus again!