cheesy asparagus casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cheesy asparagus casserole recipe
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The Best cheesy asparagus casserole recipe

I’ve been making this cheesy asparagus casserole recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is a classic American comfort food that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

I love how the tender asparagus spears are smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, all held together by a crunchy breadcrumb topping. My kids adore this recipe, and I’m happy to oblige their requests for seconds – and even thirds!

– whenever we have it for dinner. This casserole is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, as it’s both comforting and elegant enough to serve to guests.

Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to some other comfort foods, thanks to the abundance of asparagus and lean cheese. I’ve experimented with various ingredients over the years, but the basic recipe remains the same: fresh asparagus, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

It’s an unbeatable combination that never fails to satisfy our taste buds.

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

4.9 from 1069 votes

This creamy and cheesy asparagus casserole combines tender asparagus with a rich, savory sauce and a golden, crunchy topping. It is a perfect side dish for holiday dinners or a comforting weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the asparagus pieces and blanch for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
3Drain the asparagus in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process; set aside.
4In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
5Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
7Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking, then add the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper; continue whisking until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 3 to 4 minutes.
8Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
9Gently fold in the blanched asparagus until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
10Transfer the asparagus mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
11In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese; sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
12Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
13Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet
Whisk
9×13-inch baking dish
Small bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 580mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 16g

📝Notes

For best results, use fresh asparagus and avoid overcooking during blanching to maintain a slight crunch. You can substitute Gruyere or mozzarella for part of the cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Watch Video Of How Cheesy Asparagus Casserole Works

This cheesy asparagus casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night at home.

One of my favorite things about this dish is how easily you can customize it based on your preferences: add more cheese if you like it extra rich, swap out different types of vegetables if you’re not in the mood for asparagus, or even serve it over rice or noodles if you prefer something heartier than just bread crumbs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

What type of cheese is best for this casserole?

I prefer to use a mix of cream cheese and Parmesan cheese for this recipe, but you can experiment with other varieties like cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer. Keep in mind that using too much cheese can make the dish overly rich, so don’t be afraid to adjust the amount according to your taste.

Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

Sure! Frozen asparagus works just as well as fresh in this recipe. Just thaw it first by leaving it in room temperature for a few hours or by microwaving it according to package instructions.

How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from getting soggy?

To prevent the breadcrumbs from becoming soggy, try baking them in the oven until they’re lightly toasted and crispy. This will help them retain their texture even after they’ve absorbed some of the moisture from the casserole.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is perfect for vegetarians since it doesn’t contain any meat products. Just be sure to check with your guests about any dietary restrictions before serving.

How do I store leftover casserole?

You can store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.

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