Description
Mouthwatering cheesy asparagus casserole brings Southern comfort to your dinner table. Creamy layers of tender asparagus, rich cheese sauce, and crispy breadcrumb topping promise a delightful culinary experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) asparagus, woody ends removed
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella and asiago mix suggested)
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, sliced thin
- 3 large cloves of garlic, minced (or 1–2 tablespoons garlic powder)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Red chili pepper flakes, optional
Liquid and Garnish:
- ½ cup (125 milliliters) broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 425°F and coating a baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully arrange fresh asparagus spears across the prepared baking dish, creating an even single layer that allows for consistent cooking.
- Distribute thinly sliced onions and finely minced garlic evenly over the asparagus, sprinkling Italian seasoning and optional red chili pepper flakes for added complexity and warmth.
- Season the vegetable layer with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors and provide depth to the dish.
- Create a smooth cream cheese sauce by whisking softened cream cheese with broth until the mixture becomes silky and well-integrated.
- Pour the creamy cheese mixture uniformly over the seasoned asparagus, ensuring complete and consistent coverage across the entire dish.
- Generously sprinkle a combination of parmesan and shredded cheese over the cream cheese layer, creating a rich and decadent topping.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and tender asparagus texture.
- For a golden, crispy cheese crust, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 2 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous finish to the rich, cheesy casserole.
- Serve immediately while the dish is hot and the cheese remains delightfully melted.
Notes
- Creamy cheese layers melt beautifully over tender asparagus, creating a luxurious side dish that transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary experience.
- Quickly prepare this comforting casserole with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner gatherings.
- Customizable with optional spice levels and cheese varieties, letting home cooks personalize the recipe to their taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg