Description
Southern comfort meets elegant dining in this cheesy asparagus casserole. Creamy cheese sauce and tender asparagus spears combine for a delightful side dish that will make you crave seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 bunches asparagus
- ⅓ cup (79 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (118 ml) grated mozzarella cheese
- ⅛ cup (30 ml) grated pepper jack cheese
Dairy and Cream Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (59 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ ounce (7 g) softened cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
Seasonings and Additions:
- ¼ cup (59 ml) crumbled bacon (cooked)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 centimeters) baking dish with a light butter coating or non-stick spray.
- Thoroughly wash the asparagus, removing the woody ends, and arrange in a single, neat layer across the prepared baking dish.
- Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, then incorporate cream cheese, stirring until completely smooth and integrated.
- Gradually introduce heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a uniform, silky sauce.
- Enhance the sauce by adding chicken broth and seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
- Fold in Parmesan and pepper jack cheeses, stirring consistently until both cheeses melt into a luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Carefully pour the cheese mixture over the asparagus, ensuring even distribution throughout the baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top and dust with red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the asparagus to become tender and the cheese to become golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven briefly, scatter crumbled bacon over the surface, and return to bake for an additional 3-4 minutes to crisp the bacon.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and settle.
Notes
- Customize this creamy side dish by swapping asparagus with green beans or broccoli for a versatile vegetable experience.
- Create a lower-carb version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter texture.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking and reduce last-minute kitchen stress during meal preparation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to three days, reheating gently to maintain the sauce’s smooth consistency.
- Elevate the dish’s protein content by adding cooked chicken or shrimp directly into the cheese sauce before baking.
- Consider using fresh herbs like thyme or basil as a final garnish to enhance the overall flavor profile and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 292 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 67 mg