If you’re craving a side dish that combines vibrant fresh asparagus with the irresistible allure of creamy cheese and a golden, crunchy topping, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Baked Asparagus Casserole Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated with a fresh veggie twist, offering a luscious, velvety sauce infused with garlic and parmesan that perfectly hugs tender asparagus spears. This dish manages to feel both indulgent and wholesome all at once, making it a star on any table from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating this incredibly satisfying casserole. Each component brings something special, whether it’s the fresh flavor of asparagus, the richness of buttery sauce, or the delightful crunch from the topping.
- Asparagus (2 lbs): Fresh, trimmed spears provide that tender-crisp bite and vibrant green color.
- Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp): Used for both cooking and greasing, it adds creamy richness and helps create the crisp topping.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 Tbsp): The classic thickening agent that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- Half and half (2 cups): Or a mix of milk and cream; it adds luxurious creaminess to the sauce without overpowering the asparagus.
- Garlic salt (2 tsp): Delivers a punch of savory flavor that accentuates the natural sweetness of asparagus.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough to add gentle warmth and depth across the dish.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Divided for a melty base in the sauce and a sharp, nutty finish on top.
- Panko bread crumbs (1/2 cup): Creates a light, crunchy texture contrast that’s utterly addictive.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Asparagus Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Arrange the Asparagus
Start by preheating your oven to 400ËšF and positioning the rack in the center to ensure even heat. Butter a 9×13 casserole dish generously—this keeps the asparagus from sticking and adds a subtle buttery flavor. Lay down your trimmed asparagus in the dish, packing them closely so they create a nearly flat surface. This arrangement helps them cook evenly and soak up that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Now for the magic moment: melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for about three minutes until the mixture turns light golden—that’s your roux thickening up, which is essential for a silky sauce. Slowly whisk in the half and half while adding garlic salt and pepper. Keep whisking until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon, then remove from heat. Stir in half a cup of parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, infusing it with sharp, savory richness.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour your creamy sauce evenly over the asparagus, but leave about an inch of empty space on each long side of the dish to prevent overflow while baking. Pop the casserole into the oven uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes—timing depends on how thick your asparagus spears are. This period allows the asparagus to tenderize and the sauce to set up beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Parmesan Panko Topping
While the casserole bakes, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a small bowl. Mix in the panko bread crumbs, stirring to coat them evenly with butter, then fold in the remaining parmesan. Halfway through baking, carefully sprinkle this mixture over the asparagus and sauce. Return the casserole to the oven to bake until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Broil to Finish
When the asparagus reaches your ideal tenderness, switch your oven to broil for just 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely as the breadcrumb topping turns irresistibly golden brown, adding an appealing crunch and deep flavor. Pull it out, let it cool briefly, and get ready to serve a dish that’s equal parts creamy, cheesy, and crisp.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Asparagus Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness. A tiny drizzle of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten flavors beautifully, balancing the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside simple roasted chicken or grilled steak, but it also pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal. Its cheesy, creamy nature makes it a perfect indulgent accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy dinner presentation or scoop it into small tart shells for a fun appetizer twist. You can also sprinkle extra freshly grated parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper right before serving to emphasize the cheesy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Refrigerated leftovers will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making your next meal just a quick reheat away.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s great to freeze before baking—just thaw overnight and add the topping fresh before baking. You can also freeze cooked leftovers, though the topping might lose some crispness.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350ËšF oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. To revive the crunch, broil for a minute or two at the end, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen asparagus for this casserole?
While fresh asparagus is best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus if it’s well thawed and patted dry. Keep in mind it might release more water, so adjust baking time and sauce thickness accordingly.
What if I don’t have half and half?
No worries! You can combine equal parts milk and heavy cream as a perfect substitute, which will keep the sauce creamy without sacrificing flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can swap butter for plant-based margarine, use a non-dairy milk like oat or almond mixed with coconut cream for richness, and replace parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative. The texture will be different but still tasty!
How thick should the asparagus spears be for baking?
Medium-thick asparagus around 1/2 inch in diameter works best to ensure they become perfectly tender while holding their structure through baking.
Can I prepare the casserole entirely ahead and bake later?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to the baking step, cover well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping fresh just before baking to ensure maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Asparagus Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels so special but is surprisingly simple to make. It captures the best of comfort food while celebrating a fresh, garden-fresh vegetable. If you want to wow your family or guests with a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy, give this recipe a try—you might just discover a new favorite side!
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Cheesy Baked Asparagus Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and cheesy asparagus casserole is an easy, comforting side dish perfect for any occasion. Tender asparagus spears are smothered in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, topped with crispy buttery panko breadcrumbs, and baked until bubbly and golden brown. Ready in under 30 minutes, this asparagus casserole brings a satisfying balance of fresh vegetable flavors and indulgent textures to your table.
Ingredients
Asparagus
- 2 lbs asparagus, trimmed
Sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided (3 Tbsp for sauce, 1 Tbsp for topping)
- 2 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half (or equal parts milk and heavy cream)
- 2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, divided (1/2 cup for sauce, 1/2 cup for topping)
Topping
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare casserole dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F with the rack in the center position. Lightly butter a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears evenly in the dish, pressing them down to create a flat surface.
- Make the garlic parmesan sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 2 1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 3 minutes until the mixture begins to turn a light golden color. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of half and half along with 2 teaspoons of garlic salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Combine and bake: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the asparagus in the casserole dish, leaving about an inch gap on both long sides for even cooking. Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus, until they reach your desired tenderness.
- Prepare crumb topping: While the casserole bakes, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs and stir well to coat them evenly with butter. Then mix in the remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Halfway through the baking time, remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the asparagus, then return it to the oven to finish baking.
- Broil for golden topping: When the asparagus is tender, switch the oven setting to broil. Broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh asparagus trimmed to remove tough ends for best texture.
- Half and half can be substituted with equal parts milk and heavy cream for similar richness.
- Adjust garlic salt according to your taste preference or replace with regular salt and minced garlic.
- Keep an eye on the casserole during broiling to prevent topping from burning.
- This casserole makes a perfect side dish for spring and summer meals.
