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A white wooden table with a baking sheet on top of it. Inside the baking sheet is a green mat and on top of that is roasted asparagus with nutritional yeast “cheese” sauce consisting of nutritional yeast, olive oil, and water. It reads “ ‘Cheesy’ Asparagus with Nutritional Yeast.” | baked asparagus with “cheese”| The Radiant Root

"Cheesy" Asparagus with Nutritional Yeast (recipe card)

Discover a flavorful twist on asparagus with nutritional yeast. This recipe combines this vibrant veggie with cheesy, nutty goodness for a delightful and nutritious dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian
Keyword: 30 minute meal, AIP, antioxidants, baked vegetables, dairy-free, easy meal, under 30 minutes, vegan, vegetables, vegetarian
Servings: 3
Calories: 64kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 1 tbsp cold or expeller pressed extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 5 tbsp water

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line a baking sheet with a reusable baking mat or parchment paper. Then set it aside.
  • Wash and pat dry the asparagus. Then cut off the tips (about one inch) of each asparagus spear and place them aside.
  • Place 4 tbsp nutritional yeast in a small mixing bowl. Then add oil and water.
  • Blend the ingredients together into a "cheese" sauce. Then set aside.
  • Line the baking sheet with the asparagus spears into a flat layer.
  • Brush on the "cheese" sauce until the spears are well covered.
  • Top with an additional 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast for an extra "cheesy" taste.
  • Place the asparagus in the oven for 25 minutes or until asparagus is crispy.
  • Let cool and enjoy.

Video

Notes

This section will give you tips on storage, reheating, and how to get great results. It also goes over any possible additions, substitutions, and variations for the recipe. 

Recipe tips and tricks 

To ensure the best "cheesy" asparagus recipe, follow these additional tips and tricks:
  • Us fresh asparagus with bright green, firm stalks, and tightly closed tips.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F to achieve a hot and even cooking temperature.
  • Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain the desired spacing.
  • Adjust the cooking time as needed, as it may vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears. Keep an eye on them to determine when they have reached the desired level of crispness.
  • Use a basting brush* for even coverage of the "cheese" sauce, ensuring each asparagus spear is well-coated.
  • Simplify the cleanup by using a baking mat* or parchment paper* on the baking sheet. 
If you can only find thicker asparagus, you have two options: either use the regular recipe and have more "cheese sauce" for a cheesier taste, or scale back the recipe by using fewer ingredients, such as 
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 4 tbsp water
By following these tips and tricks, you'll create a wonderfully delicious roasted "cheesy" asparagus dish.

Additions/substitutions/variations

Explore additions, substitutions, and variations for your baked "cheesy" asparagus recipe to make it unique and accommodate ingredient availability.
Recipe additions
Elevate the flavor of your "cheesy" baked asparagus by incorporating a variety of delicious additions: 
  • Toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for a taste enhancer.
  • Lemon zest for bright citrus and tangy flavor.
  • Balsamic glaze for sweetness.
  • Roasted garlic for a sweet and mellow flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
  • Chopped sundried tomatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
Substitutions when you can't find ingredients
If you can't find asparagus, here are some other vegetables you can use:
  • Green beans (12 to 15 minutes)
  • Broccoli (20 to 25 minutes)
  • Brussels sprouts (25-3o minutes)
  • Zucchini (15 to 20 minutes)
Cooking time for these vegetables may vary depending on their size and thickness. So, it's important to check them frequently and remove them from the oven when they are tender.
If you don't have nutritional yeast, you can substitute
  • Vegan cheese
  • Gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • Crushed gluten-free crackers
  • Ground cashew nuts or sunflower seeds 
In place of olive oil, you can use avocado or melted coconut oil.
Please keep in mind any changes to the recipe will affect the cooking times and flavor profile.
Variations of the recipes
Here are some variations to make your baked asparagus more flavorful and interesting:
  • Add herbs and seasonings. Roasting thyme, rosemary, parsley, basil, oregano, and dill will add additional flavor and aromas to this dish. You can also add onion and/or garlic powder.
  • Use unsweetened non-dairy milk. This will give your asparagus a rich and creamy flavor.
  • Sprinkle on non-dairy parmesan cheese. This will give your asparagus a cheesy flavor.
  • Squeeze on fresh lemon juice. This will add a refreshing zing to your asparagus.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and quantities to find the perfect combination for your taste.

How to store leftovers

Here are some tips for storing this recipe. First, be sure to let the asparagus cool completely before storing it. This will prevent condensation and maintain the texture of the asparagus. 
Store the asparagus in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 
The asparagus can also be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to reheat leftovers

Here are some ways to reheat leftover asparagus:
  • Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Microwave: Place the asparagus in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Stovetop: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Remember that reheating may slightly alter the texture of the asparagus, so it's best to consume it soon after reheating to maintain its flavor and quality.

Nutritional information

*Nutritional information is estimated using Nutrifox nutrition label maker*

Nutrition

Serving: 6spears | Calories: 64kcal
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