Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
The perfect side dish exists. This gourmet-quality Creamy & Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is as easy to make as it is impressive. Its creamy and cheesy sauce hugs every bite of perfectly cooked asparagus, and its golden and crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. Impress your friends and family with this fancy, yet quick and easy asparagus dish!
Make Ahead Instructions
To save some time, make the creamy sauce ahead of time, let it cool down, place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it until ready to use.
When ready to serve, place the asparagus in a greased baking dish, pour the sauce over it, top with the breadcrumb mixture, and bake.
Variations:
- Add an earthy touch with a sprinkling of pan-fried mushrooms over the asparagus before pouring the sauce on top.
- Diced ham or cooked chicken ups the protein count and makes this a complete meal.
- Mix crispy fried onions into the breadcrumbs for an extra flavorful and crispy topping.
- Fresh herbs like tarragon or parsley give the sauce a boost of color as well as flavor.
- A sprinkling of lemon zest over the sauce adds freshness to the dish.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
First, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
You can reheat them in a 350 F oven or in the microwave. The oven will help retain the crunch factor though!
Freeze Asparagus Casserole
Let the casserole cool down to room temperature, place it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, let it come to room temperature for 20 mins, and reheat in a preheated 350 F oven. The asparagus’ texture might change a little bit after they thaws, but they’ll still be delicious.
Easy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lb asparagus, washed, dried, and trimmed
- ½ cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 ½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded and divided
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp parsley flakes
Instructions
- Spray a 7x11-inch baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer (if possible) in the baking dish
- Make the bechamel sauce: melt 3 tbsp of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and saute the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the flour and cook it for a couple of minutes until slightly golden brown.
- Whisk in the half and half, nutmeg, and pepper, and simmer until it starts to thicken
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Pour the sauce over the asparagus, leaving a one inch border without sauce. Bake, uncovered, for 8-9 minutes depending on how thick your asparagus are.
- Make the crispy topping: melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a medium-sized bowl and mix in the parsley flakes and breadcrumbs until moistened.
- Stir in the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- Remove the asparagus from the oven and sprinkle the topping evenly on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-9 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
Nutrition
FAQ about Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
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1. Can I Use Frozen Asparagus Instead of Fresh? Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw them out completely and pat them very dry before you start making the casserole.
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2. What’s a Good Substitute for Half and Half? If you don’t have half and half, use equal parts milk and heavy cream. In a pinch, whole milk will do the trick, but the sauce will be a bit thinner.
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3. How Do I Know When the Asparagus is Cooked? Perfectly baked asparagus should be tender but still have a slight bite. 15-18 minutes is the perfect baking time. Test them with a fork for your desired level of doneness.
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4. Can I Make This Ahead of Time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the topping), cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before adding the topping and baking as directed.
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5. What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs? You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for a similar crunch. Mix them with the melted butter and Parmesan as directed in the recipe.
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6. How Do I Make this Recipe Gluten-Free? To make it gluten-free, switch the flour for gluten-free flour or almond flour, and use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs.
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7. Can I Add Extra Veggies or Protein? You absolutely can! Toss in cooked chicken, diced ham, or veggies like sauteed mushrooms or cooked spinach. Make sure to drain the veggies well so they don’t add extra moisture to the casserole.
