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Add a little crunch to dinner with these Cornmeal Breaded Asparagus Fries. Just as crispy as if you breaded and fried them, but these are baked in the oven. Not only is this easy side dish even more flavorful, but it’s the naturally gluten free way to enjoy crusted asparagus without the breadcrumbs. And they are perfect for dipping!
Why You’ll Love These Asparagus Fries
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: Oven
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Egg-free, Dairy-free option
- Skill Level: Easy
When I saw this recipe for Roasted Asparagus with Panko, it looked so good I knew I had to make a gluten-free spin on it. So instead of breadcrumbs, I went with cornmeal to create this recipe for asparagus fries. I fell in love and you will too.
- Even more flavor. Between the slightly nutty flavor of the cornmeal and the zippy flavor of the mustard-yogurt coating instead of using plain egg wash, there is an extra burst of deliciousness.
- Perfect for dipping. Whether you use ketchup or Big Mac sauce or pasta sauce, this breaded asparagus is even yummier and more fun for the kids to enjoy when you dunk it.
- Allergy-friendly. This dish is naturally gluten free and doesn’t use an egg wash, so it’s egg free. You can also swap the yogurt for mayo if you need to make it dairy free.
Asparagus Fries Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to make this yummy asparagus recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and detailed instructions.
- Asparagus. Wash and dry the spears, then snap off the ends.
- Olive oil or cooking spray. For greasing the pan
- Plain Greek yogurt. Nonfat, lowfat, or whole milk yogurt can be used, just be sure it isn’t sweetened or flavored. Feel free to substitute mayo for a dairy-free option.
- Dijon mustard. Feel free to substitute brown or yellow mustard, if that’s what you have. It just adds a little zippy flavor to the coating.
- Balsamic vinegar.
- Salt & pepper.
- Cornmeal. Be sure to read labels if you are gluten free. While cornmeal is naturally GF (see Is Corn Gluten Free?), some brands are processed on shared equipment, so may not be celiac-safe.
Dips for Asparagus Fries
The best thing about breaded asparagus might just be pairing it with different sauces and dips for dunking. You can grab some pesto or BBQ sauce from the pantry or try these homemade options.
What to Serve With Breaded Asparagus
You can enjoy these asparagus fries as an appetizer, but I love them as a side dish for everything from an Easter glazed ham to a simple weeknight dinner of baked BBQ chicken. Here are some other serving suggestions to make it a meal:
- Comfort food meal. Have something cozy when you pair it with Roasted Veggie Balsamic Meatloaf and Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes.
- Classic pasta night. Enjoy the asparagus fries with Gluten Free Skillet Lasagna and thick slices of Gluten Free Texas Toast.
- Steaks on the grill. Asparagus always tastes amazing with steak or even a Grilled Steak Salad with some Oven Fries.
Cornmeal Breaded Asparagus Fries
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the pan
- 3 Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F and lightly coat a sheet pan with a thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray. Cut or snap off the tough ends of the asparagus.
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, mustard, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper and stir until evenly mixed. Place the cornmeal into a shallow pan.
- Toss the asparagus in the yogurt mixture until evenly covered, then roll it in the cornmeal until completely coated. Place the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared pan.
- Roast the asparagus at 450°F for 10-15 minutes, or to desired doneness, flipping about halfway through cooking time.
Notes
Did you make this?
Leave a rating below and tag @cupcakesandkalechips on Instagram and hashtag it #cupcakesandkalechips
Categories:
More Vegetable Side Dishes
- Gluten Free Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Butternut Squash Casserole
- Old Bay Cauliflower Tots
- Parmesan Crusted Zucchini and Yellow Squash from The Food Charlatan
- Oven Fried Garlic Parmesan Green Beans from Sugar Free Mom
This looks delicious!!
oh ma goodness do these look amazing or what! I would love to try the panko ones too but I think cornmeal sounds even more interesting. and I HAVE to try that balsamic ketchup!! PS I just saw you hit a million on FB, congrats girl!
Thank you so much, Karen!
Thank you so very much for sharing this brilliant idea. I can not wait to eat yummy asparagus exactly as you instruct. Hopefully, mine will turn out as pretty as yours. Smiles. This Dish is appetizing for sure. Gluten free A+. I appreciate You, & look forward to learning more delicious tips.
Thanks and enjoy!
Vegan alternative to Greek yogurt?
Hmm, is there a plain vegan yogurt or sour cream? I am not familiar, but that might work.
I made these last night but dipped them in egg and mild and then a mixture of cornmeal, flour, Parmesan and garlic powder. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 450 for about 20 minutes.
Cornmeal and asparagus combined … what an interesting combo 🙂
It was surprisingly delicious!
I would never have thought of turning asparagus into crispy finger food. This looks delicious and is very unique. I would love for you to link up this recipe on my Seasonal Eats May roundup found here, which highlights recipes that use seasonal ingredients in great recipes.
Thanks for stopping by. I am happy to link up on your page!
Thanks so much! Your recipe has been added to the Pinterest collection too, looks wonderful.
Great! Thanks!
This sounds amazing! I love asparagus and I’m always looking for new ways to prepare it. This sounds wonderful…this will definitely be making it onto the dinner table.
Thanks! I love asparagus, too. Usually just roast it, but I wanted to do something different.
Ooooooh. I wonder if this would work with almond flour???
Hmm, not sure, since cornmeal is a little coarser, but it is worth a shot. I bet the flavor would be great.
Love these! I bet they were fabulous with the cornmeal and that amazing dipping sauce!
Thanks! I am so glad it worked. I am trying to find new ways to “bread” things.