If you’ve been looking for a veggie side dish that’s as easy as it is irresistible, this Roasted Asparagus with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbed Cheese is about to become your new kitchen BFF. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re eating at a cozy café, but it’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight or batch cook for your meal prep. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have tender-crisp asparagus, sweet bursty cherry tomatoes, and creamy, herby cheese that melts into every bite. Bonus: it’s colorful, nutrient-packed, and goes with literally anything you’re cooking this week
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Why This Is a Weekly Meal Prep Superstar
- Fast & fuss-free: 5 minutes of prep, then your oven does the heavy lifting.
- Perfectly portionable: easy to divide into meal prep containers for the week.
- Veggie variety win: adds vibrant color and nutrients to your plate.
- Flavor-packed: herbed cheese makes it taste like a fancy bistro side, no culinary degree required.
- Customizable: swap the cheese, try different herbs, or toss in extra veggies.
- Pairs with everything: chicken, fish, tofu, or just add a grain for a full meal.
- Stays tasty: reheats well without losing texture or flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Asparagus: The star of the show! Naturally tender-crisp with a mild, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy or tangy toppings. Roasting brings out its subtle sweetness.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Little bursts of juicy sweetness that balance asparagus’ earthy notes. They caramelize in the oven, adding brightness and extra flavor depth.
- Olive Oil: The magic moisture-locker. It helps the veggies roast evenly, keeps them from drying out, and adds that silky, rich mouthfeel.
- Garlic Powder: Instant flavor upgrade without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic. It melts into the oil and coats every bite with savory goodness.
- Salt & Pepper: The dynamic duo of seasoning. Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies, and pepper adds just a hint of warm spice.
- Herbed Spreadable Cheese (Boursin/Alouette): The creamy, flavorful finisher. It melts slightly in the oven, wrapping every bite in herby, garlicky deliciousness that makes the dish taste restaurant-worthy with zero effort.
How to Make Roasted Asparagus with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbed Cheese
- Preheat the oven to 400°F so it’s hot and ready by the time your veggies are prepped.
- Rinse your asparagus and cherry tomatoes under cool running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This helps them roast instead of steam.
- Trim the asparagus by cutting or snapping off the woody ends (about 1–2 inches). These parts are tough and not pleasant to eat.
- Arrange the veggies in a baking dish or on a rimmed sheet pan so they’re spread out in a single layer. This gives them space to roast instead of overcrowding.
- Season and coat drizzle the olive oil evenly over the veggies, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or kitchen tongs to toss until every piece is lightly coated.
- Add the cheese. Use a spoon to drop small dollops of herbed spreadable cheese over the asparagus. You don’t need to spread it; it will melt beautifully in the oven.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark. The asparagus should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the tomatoes should be slightly blistered.
- Serve hot as a side dish, or portion into meal prep containers for the week.
Meal Prep Pairing Tips
- Protein boost: Serve with baked chicken breast, salmon, or turkey meatballs for a balanced lunch.
- Plant-based option: Pair with roasted chickpeas, crispy tofu, or lentil patties for a fiber- and protein-rich combo.
- Grain bowls: Add cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro, then drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a complete, filling meal.
- Egg-friendly: These veggies taste amazing alongside a frittata or scrambled eggs for an easy breakfast-for-dinner meal prep.
- Mediterranean twist: Add a side of hummus, olives, and warm pita bread to turn it into a quick mezze-style lunch box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus or tomatoes?
Fresh works best for roasting because frozen veggies release extra moisture, which can make them soggy. If using frozen, thaw completely, pat dry, and roast a few extra minutes.
What other veggies can I use?
Try zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms—they all roast well and taste amazing with herbed cheese.
Can I make this in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Toss veggies with oil and seasonings, then cook at 375°F for 7–10 minutes, shaking halfway. Add cheese during the last 2 minutes so it softens but doesn’t burn.
Roasted Asparagus with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbed Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Video
Notes
Nutrition