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)
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.