Crispy Asparagus Asiago Spears

These crispy asparagus asiago spears are my kind of appetizer—elegant, flavorful, and irresistibly crunchy. Each spear of tender asparagus is paired with the nutty, slightly sharp taste of asiago cheese, then wrapped in delicate layers of phyllo pastry and baked until golden brown. They’re perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or any time I want to serve something that looks and tastes gourmet with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these because they’re bite-sized, beautiful, and full of contrasting textures—crisp pastry on the outside, tender asparagus inside, with creamy, cheesy goodness in between. They’re easy to bake straight from frozen, so I can keep them on hand for last-minute entertaining. Plus, they pair perfectly with dips, from tangy aioli to creamy ranch.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh asparagus spears
• Asiago cheese
• Phyllo pastry sheets
• Melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)

(Note: If using pre-assembled frozen spears, no prep is needed—just bake according to instructions.)

Directions

1. If using frozen pre-made spears: I preheat the oven according to the type I’m using:
   • Hotel quality oven: 350°F for 8–14 minutes
   • Electric oven: 400°F for 16–22 minutes
   • Gas oven: 375°F for 16–20 minutes
2. I arrange the frozen spears on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
3. I bake, rotating the tray 180° halfway through for even crisping, until the phyllo is golden brown.
4. I serve immediately while hot and crispy.

If making from scratch:

1. I trim and blanch fresh asparagus until just tender-crisp, then pat dry.
2. I cut asiago into thin strips or shavings and place alongside each spear.
3. I wrap each spear in phyllo, brushing lightly with melted butter between layers.
4. I bake at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Servings and timing

The frozen variety comes in packs of 100 pieces—great for large gatherings. Baking time varies based on oven type but generally takes 8–22 minutes from frozen.

Variations

Sometimes I swap asiago for parmesan or gruyère for a different flavor. I’ve also sprinkled a little black pepper or smoked paprika over the pastry before baking for a hint of spice.

storage/reheating

Baked spears are best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispness, but I can reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it softens the phyllo.

FAQs

Can I air fry these?

Yes, I can bake them in the air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through.

Do I need to thaw them before baking?

No, they bake best from frozen.

Can I make them ahead of time?

If making from scratch, I can assemble them ahead and freeze them unbaked for up to a month.

What dips go best with these?

I like garlic aioli, lemon herb yogurt dip, or balsamic glaze for serving.

Can I use other vegetables?

Yes, I can swap asparagus for thin green beans or roasted red pepper strips, adjusting cheese to taste.

Conclusion

Crispy asparagus asiago spears are an appetizer that’s both simple and sophisticated. Whether I’m baking a ready-made frozen batch or making them from scratch, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flaky pastry, tender asparagus, and savory cheese makes every bite a little taste of gourmet indulgence.

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