Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a delightful and indulgent dish that combines the freshness of asparagus with the creamy, savory goodness of a rich cheese sauce. This casserole is perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or as a side dish for any special meal. I remember the first time my family tried this recipe at a holiday gathering. It quickly became a favorite, with its creamy, cheesy sauce and the perfect texture of the asparagus. The addition of bacon crumbles on top added a delightful crunch and flavor, making it an irresistible dish that everyone loved.
Ingredients
2 bunches of asparagus
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 ounce cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/8 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/3 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
Preparing the Asparagus
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that it reaches the correct temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the casserole.
Prepare the Asparagus:
Wash the asparagus thoroughly to remove any dirt. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears. You can do this by bending the asparagus until it naturally snaps at the point where it becomes tender. This usually removes about an inch or two from the bottom.
Arrange in Baking Dish:
Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. Lay the asparagus spears evenly in the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. This helps ensure that they cook evenly.
Making the Cheese Sauce
Melt the Butter:
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. This will be the base of your cheese sauce.
Combine Cream Cheese and Cream:
Add 1/2 ounce of softened cream cheese to the melted butter. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined with the butter. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream. Stir continuously to combine.
Add Seasonings:
Add 1 tablespoon of chicken broth, 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper to the skillet. Whisk the mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Simmer the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to simmer. Keep whisking to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Let it gently boil until the heavy cream has reduced and thickened, which should take a few minutes.
Add the Cheeses:
Once the sauce has thickened, add 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/8 cup of grated pepper jack cheese. Continue to stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Assembling the Casserole
Pour the Cheese Sauce:
Carefully pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus in the baking dish. Aim to pour it down the middle of the dish, avoiding the tops of the asparagus spears to keep them from becoming too soft.
Add Mozzarella and Red Pepper Flakes:
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the cheese sauce. Then, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes on top for a bit of heat.
Baking the Casserole
First Bake:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This will allow the asparagus to cook and the cheese to melt and become bubbly. If you prefer your asparagus to be crunchier, you can reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
Add Bacon:
After the initial baking time, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle 1/3 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon over the top. The bacon adds a wonderful crunch and a salty flavor that complements the cheesy sauce.
Final Bake:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes. This will help the bacon to heat through and integrate with the cheese sauce.
Serving
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes to set. Serve the Cheesy Asparagus Casserole warm, and enjoy the blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian option.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Gruyère, or Fontina can be great substitutes or additions to the cheese sauce.
Vegetarian Option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. You can add a crunchy topping of breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter and Parmesan cheese for texture.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free substitutes for the cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and cheeses to make a dairy-free version of this dish. There are many good plant-based cheese alternatives available.
Conclusion
Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of tender asparagus, rich and creamy cheese sauce, and the added crunch of bacon makes it an irresistible side dish. It’s perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. The simplicity of the recipe, coupled with the delicious results, makes it a go-to dish for both novice and experienced cooks.
This casserole is appealing because it’s both comforting and elegant, showcasing the flavors of fresh asparagus and the richness of the cheese. It’s a dish that brings people together, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere around the dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this mouthwatering Cheesy Asparagus Casserole with your loved ones.