Cracking Cheesy Asparagus Casserole A CrowdPleasing Classic

Cracking Cheesy Asparagus Casserole A Crowdpleas

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (475ml) milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the baking dish.
• Steam or boil the asparagus until tender crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain well.
• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in 1 1/2 cups (170g) of the cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth.
• Gently fold the cooked asparagus into the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, remaining 1/2 cup (57g) cheddar cheese, olive oil, and minced garlic (if using). Mix well.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the asparagus casserole.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	350-400
Fat	25g
Fiber	2g

Recipe Info

Category	Casserole
Cuisine	American

Recipe Introduction

Fancy something cheesy and comforting? Ever wondered what to bring to Easter brunch that isn't the same old egg dish? Let's talk about Cheesy Asparagus Casserole ! This dish will knock your socks off!

A Cheesy Dream: Why This Casserole Rocks

This Asparagus Casserole is pure comfort. It's like a warm hug on a plate! This recipe is based on classic mid-century flavors.

It is perfect for potlucks, brunch, or a cosy night in. Seriously, it is a winner!

A Bit of History (and a Whole Lotta Cheese)

I think back to casserole's origin and cultural significance. Casseroles are total comfort food classics! I remember my nan making something similar.

But she was a bit stingy on the cheese, haha! This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole Recipe is easy to make. It takes about 45 minutes to throw together.

This serves about 6 people, perfect for sharing.

This Asparagus Side Dish is Totally Amazing

Asparagus is packed with vitamins, so this casserole is almost healthy. This Comfort Food Casserole Recipe is a family favorite.

It's my go-to Easter Brunch Casserole . What makes it special? It's the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly crunchy.

Honestly, I can't get enough of this Cheesy Asparagus . This dish is an ideal Asparagus Side Dish for Christmas.

Ready to make some magic? Let's dive into those ingredients!

Easy Asparagus Recipe: The Secret Ingredients

This section includes all the ingredients that are required.

• 1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (475ml) milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Let's Start Cooking this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

This Creamy Asparagus Bake is so simple to create. Even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen. This Asparagus Cheese Sauce Recipe is rich and decadent.

I've tweaked it over the years to get it just right. Trust me, once you taste it, you'll be hooked.

The next step is to gather all your bits.

Time to Gather Your Bits & Bobs!

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? Before you can whip up this amazing Cheesy Asparagus Casserole , you need to raid the fridge and cupboards.

Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too fancy. Honestly, even if you're a bit of a disaster in the kitchen, you can manage this!

Main Ingredients for the Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

• 1 pound (450g) of fresh asparagus. Go for spears that are firm and a vibrant green. No one wants bendy, sad-looking asparagus.
• 1/4 cup (57g) of unsalted butter, melted. The good stuff!
• 1/4 cup (30g) of all-purpose flour. Plain as you like.
• 2 cups (475ml) of milk. Full fat is best for the creaminess, but semi skimmed will do in a pinch.
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. It adds a lovely warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Seasoning is key!
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Freshly ground is always better.
• 2 cups (225g) of shredded cheddar cheese, divided. A mature cheddar gives the best flavour, I reckon.
• 1/2 cup (50g) of grated Parmesan cheese. Proper Italian stuff, if you can.
• 1 cup (100g) of breadcrumbs. Panko are great for a really crispy top.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil. Just a drizzle.
• 1 clove of garlic, minced (optional). For those who like a bit of extra zing.

This Asparagus Cheese Sauce Recipe wouldn't be complete without some yummy seasoning!

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce to Great Flavour

Nutmeg is your secret weapon for that classic Comfort Food Casserole Recipe vibe. Don't skip it! A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a cheeky little kick too.

If you're out of nutmeg, mace is a decent substitute. Garlic powder can work if you're garlic less!

Asparagus Side Dish : Essential Kit

• A 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. That's your Easter Brunch Casserole sorted.
• A medium saucepan. For the cheesy magic.
• A whisk. To keep things smooth as silk.
• A mixing bowl. For the breadcrumb topping.

Basically, just the usual bits and bobs you'd find in any kitchen. Don't stress if you haven't got a fancy whisk, a fork will do just fine! And if you're missing a baking dish, a roasting tin will work at a push.

Now, let's get cracking and make some Cheesy Asparagus ! It is an Easy Asparagus Recipe . Making a Creamy Asparagus Bake is easier than you think.

If you have a garden where you can harvest the Recipe For Asparagus the better.

Cooking the Perfect Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Oh my gosh, let's talk about Cheesy Asparagus Casserole ! It's like a warm hug on a plate. Honestly, there's nothing better.

I've been making this Comfort Food Casserole Recipe for years. You know? It's perfect for Easter Brunch Casserole or any time you need a bit of cheesy goodness.

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place

First, get organised! This is key. You need your Asparagus cut into 1 inch pieces. Melt 1/4 cup (57g) of butter .

Get all your cheeses measured out. It makes the whole process so much smoother. It's all about that mise en place, babes!

Essential ingredients ready. Saves time and stress, trust me.

Let's Cook: The Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch dish.
2. Steam or boil your asparagus until tender crisp. About 5 minutes does the trick. Drain it well! Nobody likes soggy veg.
3. Melt butter in a pan. Whisk in 1/4 cup (30g) of flour . Cook for 1 minute .
4. Slowly whisk in 2 cups (475ml) of milk until smooth. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper . Simmer until thickened, around 5 minutes .
5. Stir in 1 1/2 cups (170g) of cheddar and 1/2 cup (50g) of Parmesan . Make sure it's all melty and dreamy.
6. Fold the asparagus into the cheese sauce. Then pour it into your dish!
7. Combine 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/2 cup (57g) cheddar, 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil , and a minced clove of garlic.
8. Sprinkle that glorious topping over your Asparagus Casserole . Bake for 20- 25 minutes . You want it golden and bubbly.

Expert Hacks for the Best Cheesy Asparagus

• Don't overcook the asparagus! Slightly undercooked is better. Aim for tender crisp .
• Toast your breadcrumbs for extra flavour!
• Make this Asparagus Side Dish ahead! Assemble the casserole, but don't bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5- 10 minutes of baking time if baking from cold.

Recipe For Asparagus ? Here it is! Now go forth and create this Creamy Asparagus Bake . It's perfect! This Easy Asparagus Recipe is a classic for a reason.

And that Asparagus Cheese Sauce Recipe ? Divine.

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Honestly, this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is proper lush. It’s a comfort food casserole recipe that's like a warm hug on a plate.

The best part? It's so easy, even I can make it without setting off the smoke alarm. So here are some tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe!

Serving Up Style: Plating and Presentation

The way you plate this creamy asparagus bake matters! Think of it as giving your asparagus side dish a bit of a glow-up.

A simple scoop in a pretty dish works. But, you could get fancy. Try a sprig of parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top.

I’ve even served this in individual ramekins for a dinner party once. It felt very posh! This recipe for asparagus is a blank canvas, so don't be shy to make it your own.

This Easy Asparagus Recipe pairs amazingly well with roast chicken or a nice bit of grilled salmon. For drinks, a crisp white wine is a winner.

Or, you know, a cheeky G&T always goes down a treat.

Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh

Right, let’s talk storage. Got leftovers? No worries! Pop the cheesy asparagus in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days .

When you fancy another helping, reheat it gently in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's warmed through.

You could microwave it, but it’s better in the oven. The topping stays crispier.

Freezing this asparagus casserole is a bit trickier. It can get a bit watery when defrosted. But, if you must, freeze it in individual portions.

Then, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Fancy a twist? If you want to make this recipe veggie friendly, use a vegetarian hard cheese instead of Parmesan. Boom. Easy.

For a gluten free version, swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten free ones. Or even crushed gluten free crackers.

For an Easter Brunch Casserole , you could add in some cooked ham or bacon bits. It’ll be a right treat!

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's keep it real: this isn’t exactly health food. But it's got asparagus, which is packed with vitamins. And it feels good for the soul.

Each serving’s got around 350-400 calories , 20g of protein , 25g of fat , 15g of carbs , and 2g of fiber .

So, enjoy it in moderation, yeah?

This Asparagus Cheese Sauce Recipe is a sure fire way to get your greens in! Don't be afraid to get creative and make this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole your own.

Honestly, it’s easier than you think. You’ve got this!