Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional, for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Cook the asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and blanch for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Place the blanched asparagus in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the asparagus.
- (Optional) In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for a crispy topping.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish with roasted chicken, steak, or your favorite main course!
This cheesy asparagus casserole is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or holiday meals! 🥘✨
