This delectable asparagus casserole features tender spears enveloped in a luscious Alfredo sauce and crowned with golden, crispy bread crumbs mixed with cheese. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that effortlessly enhances any meal. This casserole is incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it an ideal choice for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving and Easter, or any regular dinner. The asparagus is bathed in a rich sauce made with sharp cheddar, and topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for a satisfying crunch. It pairs wonderfully with a weeknight cast iron-cooked NY strip steak or elevates a festive occasion alongside a prime rib roast, one of my top picks for a Christmas dinner menu!
Thanksgiving strikes a delightful balance between cherished traditions and the excitement of new culinary experiments. This asparagus casserole isn’t just excellent—it might just be the best Thanksgiving side dish ever created. It masterfully walks the line between timeless classic and modern twist. Let’s take a moment to pay homage to the Casserole Gods of Thanksgiving, for their blessings are many and our gratitude is deep.
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Introducing the simple yet sophisticated asparagus casserole! It offers the elegance of an alternative vegetable to green beans, paired with the comforting richness of cheese and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping.
### Recipe Notes:
The best aspect of this recipe is the use of raw asparagus, which is added directly to the dish so it cooks in the oven. This method ensures the asparagus becomes tender without turning brown or mushy.
I’ve also stumbled upon some traditional asparagus casserole recipes that call for hard-boiled eggs. However, that’s not to my taste, and frankly, it sounds a bit odd. If you’re a fan of hard-boiled eggs, feel free to sprinkle some chopped eggs over the casserole. Do let me know how it turns out!
In this casserole, I use fresh asparagus, making it an ideal choice for an Easter dinner when asparagus is in peak season. I’ve also successfully used both frozen and canned asparagus in this dish, and I can assure you it turns out wonderfully every time.
As aficionados of asparagus dishes, such as our popular baked asparagus with parmesan or shrimp scampi pasta, we’re always excited to share recipes that highlight this versatile vegetable.
Asparagus Casserole Recipe:
With springtime upon us, asparagus is abundantly available in markets. Continue reading for tips on choosing the freshest asparagus for this delightful casserole.
Perfect for festive occasions like Easter, this asparagus casserole is easy to prepare. Expect admiring glances when you present this dish fresh from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes and succulent cuts of beef tenderloin or prime rib.
Ingredients
You’ll need trimmed and chopped asparagus, onion, garlic, flour, milk, mayonnaise, grated cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers. Optionally, add salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredient Notes and Variations
Gluten-Free Option: Omit the flour and blend 2 teaspoons of cornstarch into the milk before adding it to the onions. Use gluten-free crackers or crushed chips in place of Ritz crackers.
Mayonnaise Note: Yes, this recipe includes mayonnaise, and it’s essential for both flavor and texture, so don’t omit it. If you prefer a mayo-free option, try a quick 5-minute Vegan Broiled Asparagus instead.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to substitute the cheddar with any melty cheese you prefer, such as Swiss or Fontina, which are both excellent choices.
Adding Protein: Some readers suggest adding 1-2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to make this a more filling meal.
Leftover Asparagus Tip: If you have leftover asparagus, consider using it in a quick 5-minute vegan broiled asparagus side dish.
How to Prepare Asparagus Casserole:
Grease a 9×13 casserole dish and lay out trimmed asparagus in an even layer.
For the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Mix in 2 1/2 tablespoons of flour, cooking until golden. Gradually add 2 cups of half-and-half, 2 teaspoons of garlic salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, whisking until the sauce begins to thicken. Take off the heat and blend in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Evenly spread the sauce over the asparagus and bake at 400ËšF for 15-18 minutes.
For the Topping: Combine 1 tablespoon of melted butter with 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, then mix in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Halfway through baking, sprinkle this mixture over the casserole.
Finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the topping is crisp and golden.
Is Thick or Thin Asparagus Better?
Thin asparagus typically comes from younger asparagus plants. Due to its slim profile, it cooks quickly, making it an excellent choice for stir-frying.
Thick asparagus stems from more mature plants. These larger spears take longer to cook, making them well-suited for methods like broiling and roasting.
In reality, the size of the asparagus does not impact its suitability for a recipe. Both thin and thick varieties will yield equally sweet and tender results. However, cooking times will vary; thin asparagus cooks swiftly, whereas thicker spears require more time to become tender.
Choosing Asparagus:
When selecting asparagus, size is less critical than freshness. To ensure you’re picking fresh asparagus, look for:
Tips that are tightly closed, rather than open or frayed.
Stems that are moist and plump, avoiding any that are overly dry or shriveled.
How to Trim Asparagus:
Trimming asparagus can be done in a few ways. You might choose to peel the ends using a potato peeler or simply snap off the ends. For handling two pounds of asparagus, the most straightforward method (and our favorite) involves snapping off the ends. To do this, grasp the bottom third of the spear with both hands and gently bend it. The spear will naturally break at the point where the tough, fibrous part ends and the tender portion begins.
Is Asparagus Healthy to Eat?
Asparagus is remarkably beneficial for health! It’s rich in nutrients such as folic acid, potassium, fiber, thiamine, various B Vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. Furthermore, asparagus boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, adding to its numerous health advantages.
Savory Asparagus and Cheese Bake
Ingredients
- 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the casserole dish
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half (or a mix of milk and heavy cream)
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the center. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with butter. Lay the trimmed asparagus in the dish, pressing down slightly to create a flat, even layer.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 3 minutes, until the mixture begins to turn golden. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half, garlic salt, and black pepper, and continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Bake the asparagus: Pour the sauce over the asparagus, leaving about 1 inch of space along the long edges of the dish. Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender to your preference.
- Make the topping: While the asparagus bakes, in a small bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Mix in the breadcrumbs until well moistened, then stir in the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Halfway through baking, evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the asparagus and return to the oven to finish baking.
- Broil: Once the asparagus is tender, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
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