Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Asparagus Casserole Recipe

Asparagus is already a favorite vegetable, and when paired with a creamy cheese sauce, it takes on a whole new level of flavor. The addition of a crunchy breadcrumb topping provides the perfect contrast to the soft, cheesy asparagus. This casserole is incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep time, and it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of main dishes. The gooey cheese, tender asparagus, and crispy topping come together in a way that will have everyone coming back for more. It’s the ideal way to make vegetables irresistible!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery for a vegetarian option)

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they’re tender-crisp. Drain and transfer the asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

3. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic.

4. Add the cooked asparagus to the bowl and toss gently to coat with the sauce mixture.

5. Pour the asparagus mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

6. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the casserole.

7. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the cheese layer.

8. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6-8 servings

• Calories per Serving: 280 kcal

Variations

• Add protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to the casserole for extra protein.

• Gluten-free option: Swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• Different cheeses: If you prefer other cheeses, you can substitute the cheddar and mozzarella for Gruyère, gouda, or even goat cheese for a different flavor.

• Vegetarian option: Use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen asparagus for this casserole?

Fresh asparagus is preferred for the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen asparagus if necessary. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead. Assemble everything, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.

3. Can I make this recipe without the soup?

If you don’t want to use canned soup, you can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasoning. This will give you more control over the flavor and texture.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère, gouda, and Swiss cheese would all work wonderfully in this casserole for a unique flavor twist.

5. How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce to give the casserole a little heat. Alternatively, you could top the casserole with a few slices of jalapeño before baking.

6. Can I make this casserole without breadcrumbs?

If you prefer a gluten-free or lighter version, you can skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch.

7. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole for more variety and flavor. Just make sure to sauté them first to release any moisture before adding them to the dish.

8. Can I use low-fat dairy products for a lighter version?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat sour cream, milk, and cheese for a lighter version of this casserole. However, it may affect the richness of the dish slightly.

9. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. You can also insert a fork into the center to check if it’s heated through.

10. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it up and freezing.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is the perfect side dish that combines the freshness of asparagus with the creamy goodness of cheese and a crispy topping. It’s an easy and flavorful dish that will make your meals more exciting and satisfying. Whether served at a holiday dinner or as a weeknight side, this casserole will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness with every bite!

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

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A creamy, cheesy, and savory casserole made with tender asparagus, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy topping—perfect for a side dish or a comforting meal!

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for topping)

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
• Blanch the Asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
• Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add the heavy cream while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once smooth, cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
• Combine Asparagus and Sauce: Add the blanched asparagus to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the asparagus evenly with the sauce.
• Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the asparagus and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top, and drizzle with olive oil to help the topping crisp up.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
• Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can use any cheese you like for the sauce, but sharp cheddar and Parmesan add great flavor.
• For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
• This casserole can be made ahead by assembling it and refrigerating until ready to bake.