Keto Sheet Pan Ham and Asparagus
A straightforward one-pan dinner combining thick-cut ham with tender asparagus, finished with a generous crust of Parmesan cheese. The ham stays moist while baking, and the asparagus develops gentle char at the edges. The cheese melts into salty, umami-rich pockets. Perfect for weeknight dinners or Easter entertaining. This version skips complicated techniques, relying on oven heat and good ingredients to deliver restaurant-quality results without fuss.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375F/375°F.
- 2
Snap asparagus spears by hand to find natural breaking point; trim woody ends and cut spears in half.
- 3
Toss asparagus pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 4
Cut ham into slices at least 1/4 inch thick. If using thin ham, wrap pieces together in foil.
- 5
Arrange ham and asparagus in single layer on prepared sheet pan.
- 6
Bake 12 minutes.
- 7
Remove from oven and unwrap ham if applicable.
- 8
Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
- 9
Return to oven and roast 8-10 minutes until asparagus is tender and cheese is golden.
- 10
Serve hot.
Tips
Snap asparagus by hand rather than cutting; it naturally breaks where tender meets woody, ensuring consistent texture.
Arrange asparagus in single layer for even cooking; overlapping causes steaming instead of light browning.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and crust formation; pre-grated versions contain anti-caking agents.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat covered in 325F oven for 8-10 minutes.
Trim asparagus and cut ham the morning of. Do not season or assemble until ready to bake.
Hot from the oven. Pairs well with roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
Common Mistakes
Do not overlap asparagus spears to avoid steaming instead of browning.
Do not skip the initial 12-minute bake before cheese; asparagus needs time to begin tenderizing.
Do not use pre-shredded Parmesan for topping; the anti-caking agents prevent proper crust formation.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use thin-sliced deli ham?
Yes, but wrap all pieces together in foil for the first 12 minutes to keep them from drying out. The foil holds in moisture while ham warms through.
What if I prefer very tender asparagus?
Extend the final roast to 12-15 minutes. Thicker spears need more time than thin ones. Check doneness by piercing with a fork.
How long can I store leftovers?
Up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat covered at 325F for 8-10 minutes. Cheese may harden but will soften again with heat.