Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a creamy, savory, and delicious side dish that brings together tender asparagus, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy topping for the perfect bite. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with chicken, beef, or seafood, making it great for weeknight dinners, holidays, or special occasions.

With melty cheese, crunchy breadcrumbs, and vibrant asparagus, this casserole is both indulgent and packed with nutrients, making it a flavorful yet wholesome dish!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13 baking dish
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients Overview

• Asparagus: The star of the dish, offering a fresh, slightly crisp texture.
• Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Parmesan creates a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Cream Sauce: Made with butter, garlic, and milk for richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy topping for contrast.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Asparagus

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Trim woody ends off the asparagus and arrange in a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in milk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard.
5. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan until melted.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus, ensuring even coverage.
2. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and breadcrumbs over the top.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve warm alongside grilled meats, pasta, or as a holiday side dish.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

• Calories: ~250
• Fat: ~15g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Protein: ~10g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Crunch: Use crushed Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
• Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
• For a Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumbs or replace with crushed pork rinds.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it without baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry before using to prevent excess moisture.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended as dairy-based sauces may separate.

Substitutions & Variations

• Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for gruyere, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
• Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked bacon for a heartier dish.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese, plant-based milk, and vegan butter.

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

This **Cheesy Asparagus Casserole** is a **creamy, savory, and delicious** side dish that brings together **tender asparagus, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy topping** for the perfect bite. It’s an **easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish** that pairs well with **chicken, beef, or seafood**, making it great for **weeknight dinners, holidays, or special occasions**.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - 9x13 baking dish
• - Large skillet or saucepan
• Whisk
• - Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• - 1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus trimmed
• - 2 tablespoons butter
• - 2 cloves garlic minced
• - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• - 1 cup milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
• - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard for depth of flavor
• - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for breadcrumbs
• - Fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Asparagus**
• Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
• Trim **woody ends off the asparagus** and arrange in a **lightly greased 9x13 baking dish**.
• #### **Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce**
• In a **large skillet**, melt **butter** over medium heat.
• Add **garlic** and sauté for **30 seconds** until fragrant.
• Whisk in **flour** and cook for **1 minute** to form a roux.
• Slowly whisk in **milk, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard**.
• Simmer for **2-3 minutes** until slightly thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in **1 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan** until melted.
• #### **Step 3: Assemble & Bake**
• Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus, ensuring even coverage.
• In a small bowl, mix **breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter**.
• Sprinkle the remaining **1/2 cup cheddar, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and breadcrumbs** over the top.
• Bake for **20-25 minutes** until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
• #### **Step 4: Serve & Enjoy**
• Remove from oven and garnish with **fresh parsley** if desired.
• Serve warm alongside **grilled meats, pasta, or as a holiday side dish**.