Classic, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole Recipe
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Dec 17, 2024 • 2 min read
Asparagus casserole is a classic springtime side dish and a potluck mainstay. The creamy sauce keeps this vegetable-heavy casserole feeling decadent, and since it only spends a few minutes under the broiler, it is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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What Is Asparagus Casserole?
Asparagus casserole is a Southern side dish made with chopped asparagus spears cooked into a creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden brown. Like green bean casserole or potatoes au gratin, asparagus casserole is a classic comfort food option for potlucks and barbecues. It is often made around Easter when fresh asparagus is in season.
7 Asparagus Casserole Add-Ins and Toppings Ideas
Customize this easy recipe for asparagus casserole with your favorite add-ins and toppings.
- 1. Bread crumbs: One of the most popular topping options for asparagus casserole, breadcrumbs add a pleasant crunch. Try tossing your bread crumbs with melted butter for even more flavor.
- 2. Cracker crumbs: Rather than traditional bread crumbs, try crushing your favorite crackers into crumbs that you can then layer on top.
- 3. Cheese: Stir a melting cheese like cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or Gruyère into the creamy sauce for extra-cheesy flavor.
- 4. Hard-boiled eggs: A popular addition to asparagus casserole is hard-boiled eggs: cut them in half and fold them into the casserole to make the dish a little heartier.
- 5. Fried onions: Try fried onions instead of bread crumbs on top for an asparagus casserole that’s flavorful and crispy.
- 6. Veggies: You can add more vegetables to the filling mixture, such as green beans, chopped zucchini, carrots, and broccoli. Make sure to blanch or sauté the vegetables before baking, since they’ll only spend a few minutes under the broiler.
- 7. Bacon: Bacon and asparagus is a classic flavor combination. Stir chopped, cooked bacon into the filling before baking. As an added bonus, you can use the rendered bacon fat to make the roux that will become the base of your béchamel sauce.
Cheesy Asparagus Casserole Recipe
makes
prep time
20 mintotal time
50 mincook time
30 minIngredients
- 1
Preheat the broiler.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter and set aside.
- 3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add oil and warm.
- 4
Add chopped fresh asparagus, onions, and mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and soft, about 10 minutes.
- 5
Add the flour and stir together until the flour turns golden brown and becomes fragrant about three minutes.
- 6
Whisking constantly, slowly add the milk.
- 7
Increase the heat to medium-high and add salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 8
Cook the béchamel, stirring constantly until it forms a rich creamy sauce, about 10 minutes.
- 9
Remove from heat and add cream cheese, lemon juice, and basil.
- 10
Stir to combine.
- 11
Spoon the mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish or casserole dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top in an even layer.
- 12
Broil for three minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumbs have turned golden brown, about 3 minutes.
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