If you’re a fan of asparagus, I’ve got the perfect fast, easy, yet decadent side dish recipe! But even if you’re not the biggest fan of asparagus, or have some picky eaters at your table, when you smother homemade cream sauce reminiscent of alfredo sauce all over the asparagus, and then top it with two types of cheese, and bake it to perfection so that the top gets perfectly crispy, everyone will dig right into this asparagus casserole! I adapted an old family recipe that we tend to serve at holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. One nice thing about this easy asparagus side dish is that you can prep it in advance, which works out so nicely for holiday cooking. More on that below. But it’s simple enough to make as an easy weeknight side dish, especially when it’s springtime and asparagus is seasonal and abundant.
Ingredients for This Recipe
You’ll need only a handful of very common and easy to find ingredients including:
Fresh asparagus Unsalted Butter All-purpose flour Salt Pepper Heavy cream Parmesan cheese Mozzarella cheee Panko breadcrumbs
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How To Select Asparagus
I use fresh asparagus that’s what I would call “medium” or average sized in diameter. Not too fat, not too skinny. This recipe was developed with average sized asparagus in mind. I am not a fan of very thick asparagus because I find it to be tough. Very skinny or thin asparagus is nice and tender, but in this recipe where the recipe will bake for ~20 minutes, it could become overdone.
How To Trim Asparagus
People make such a big deal about this and I am not sure why! Here’s what to do:
grab 1 pound of the asparagus take off the rubber band that’s likely binding the base or middle place the tips in your left hand, the base in your right hand, and using your right hand, pull or snap down with a bit of force (reverse this if you’re a leftie) repeat with the second 1-pound bunch
The fibrous and inedible base part should snap off at the point where the tender and edible portion of the stalk begins. Voila, you now have ‘trimmed asparagus’. You can also cut the base off using a sharp knife however you’re flying a bit blind since you won’t know that sweet spot where fibrous-meets-tender on the asparagus stalk.
How to Make Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
It’s a cinch to make this cheesy asparagus casserole!
More Easy Vegetable Casseroles and Bakes:
Roasted Cheesy Asparagus — Even picky eaters will LOVE asparagus when it’s roasted with onions and covered with melted CHEESE!! A fast and EASY side that’s perfect for busy weeknights!! Simply make and assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. However, add the topping just before baking. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you plan to bake it (while your oven is preheating or a bit more) so that you’re not placing a cold casserole dish into the oven, which will increase baking time. Dairy: Heavy cream is our go-to but half-and-half or whole milk will work. Cheese: I like the combo of grated Parm and shredded mozzarella and used in the ratios listed, but you can adjust to taste. I don’t recommend cheddar cheese or other cheeses you may easily find in your grocery store for both their flavor and how well they do or don’t melt. Garlic: I prefer garlic powder to garlic cloves because it’s easier and it dissolves more evenly into the sauce. However, you can use cloves if you don’t mind the texture. Baking time: It will depend on how your oven runs, how crispy you like your cheesy bread crumb topping, and how thick or thin your asparagus are. Bake as needed and desired. You’re in charge of what’s going on in your oven with your asparagus so watch it, and not the clock. Water release: The asparagus will release its natural water as it cooks. Don’t be alarmed if you see a bit of asparagus “juice” when the casserole is done. In the Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe due to the cream sauce potentially separating upon thawing, the asparagus turning super mushy, and the crumb topping being soggy. To Reheat: I use my microwave for quickness and ease and reheat my leftovers for about 30 seconds on high, or as needed. Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Creamed Corn Casserole — The EASIEST holiday side dish you’ll ever make! This CREAMY, cheesy corn casserole is a simple stir-and-bake affair that can be made in advance! The texture is a cross between a souffle and cornbread. Slightly gooey, slightly firm, and pairs perfectly with your favorite Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dishes! Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin — Cauliflower florets are coated in a creamy cheese sauce and sprinkled with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping before being baked to golden, bubbly perfection! This is an EASY yet ELEGANT side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and holiday meals alike including Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve! The Best Green Bean Casserole — A fresher take on classic green bean casserole! No processed soups nor canned ingredients and instead made with fresh green beans, mushrooms, red onions, and a cheesy crispy breadcrumb topping that will have the whole family going back for seconds! Put this on your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday entertaining menus! Smothered Bacon Green Bean Casserole — Homemade green bean casserole is made even better with the addition of BACON and CHEESE! Fresh green beans are smothered in a savory mushroom sauce before being topped with cheese, crumbled bacon, and fried onions. A truly decadent, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or when you’re craving a comfort food side dish – and no canned or condensed soups in sight! Cheesy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole — Fresh green beans are cooked with bacon and a THREE CHEESE sauce in the slow cooker to free up valuable oven space! NO CANNED SOUP nor processed sauces here. An EASY comfort food side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, parties, and events! Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar — These green beans are made extra delish with brown sugar, onions, garlic, and plenty of bacon! Eating your veggies has never been this EASY or tasty, and even the pickiest eaters will gobble them up! Perfect for busy weeknights or as a great holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Roasted Rainbow Carrots — Lightly caramelized around the edges, crisp-tender in the center, and seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and parsley!! A trusty side that you’ll make again and again for holidays or easy weeknight dinners!! Orange and Honey Roasted Carrots — A fast, EASY, and holiday-friendly side dish everyone will love!! The honey orange glaze adds such great FLAVOR and really jazzes up roasted carrots!! Balsamic Brussels Sprouts — These balsamic Brussels sprouts are easy to make and pair perfectly with any main dish. Serve with Parmesan and chopped pistachios to amp up the flavor! Parmesan Balsamic Roasted Broccoli — This is a super simple side dish that’s perfect for anything from busy weeknights to holiday celebrations!
