Asparagus Casserole

When I think of comfort food that brings a touch of elegance to the table, Asparagus Casserole immediately comes to mind. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful harmony of flavors that dance on the palate. One of my fondest memories is preparing this casserole for a spring gathering with friends. The vibrant green of the asparagus, combined with the rich, creamy sauce, made it a showstopper. It was the perfect accompaniment to our main dishes, and everyone couldn’t help but ask for seconds. This dish has a way of elevating any meal, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive holiday gathering.

What’s In This Asparagus Casserole

This Asparagus Casserole is made with a delightful combination of ingredients that work together beautifully. The key players include fresh asparagus, which serves as the star of the show, complemented by a creamy sauce made with mushrooms and cheese. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

• Panko breadcrumbs – These add a glorious crunch to the top of the casserole, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
• Grated parmesan – This cheese not only adds flavor but also helps create a rich crust when baked.
• Asparagus – Fresh, tender asparagus brings a vibrant color and a subtle earthiness that grounds the dish.
• Butter – Essential for sautéing the mushrooms and creating a rich base for the sauce.
• Mushrooms – They add depth and umami, enriching the creamy sauce.
• Salt – A crucial ingredient that enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Ground black pepper – It adds a hint of spice, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• Garlic – This aromatic ingredient infuses the dish with warmth and flavor.
• All-purpose flour – Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
• Whole milk – Provides the creamy base for the sauce.
• Cream cheese – Adds richness and smoothness to the filling.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – For melty goodness and a delightful cheese pull.
• Ground nutmeg – A touch of warmth that elevates the overall flavor.

Making This Asparagus Casserole

Bringing this Asparagus Casserole to life is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow along as we take you through the steps to create this delightful dish.

1. Blanch the asparagus: Start by bringing 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Once boiling, introduce the asparagus spears and set a timer for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick blanching helps to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture. Meanwhile, prepare a bowl of ice-cold water to shock the asparagus after cooking. When the timer goes off, quickly remove the asparagus from the boiling water and plunge it into the ice water. This stops the cooking process, ensuring that the asparagus retains its crunchiness.
2. Prepare the asparagus: After letting the asparagus cool in the ice water for about 5 minutes, drain them well and dry with paper towels. Cut the spears into approximately 2-inch pieces. This makes them easier to serve and eat once the casserole is assembled.
3. Preheat the oven: Before you move forward, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
4. Mix the topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan. This mixture will create a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
5. Sauté the mushrooms: In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the mushrooms and season with salt and ground black pepper. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their juices.
6. Add garlic: After the mushrooms are cooked, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
7. Make the sauce: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Stir to combine, cooking for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
8. Add the cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
9. Add the asparagus: Gently fold the blanched asparagus pieces into the creamy sauce, ensuring they are well coated. The vibrant green spears will be a beautiful addition to the mix.
10. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the creamy asparagus mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. If your dish isn’t oven-proof, be sure to transfer to an appropriate dish. Sprinkle the prepared panko and parmesan mixture evenly over the top.
11. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, move it under the broiler for a few minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Things Worth Knowing

Substitutions and Tips

Having a few tips up your sleeve can make all the difference when preparing this Asparagus Casserole. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of this recipe.

• Storage: Store leftover Asparagus Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crisp topping.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
• Pairing: This casserole pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted potatoes for a heartier option.
• Vegetarian variation: Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

What Goes Well With This Asparagus Casserole

When serving your Asparagus Casserole, consider these complementary dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

• Grilled chicken: The light flavor of grilled chicken works wonderfully with the creamy casserole, making it a delightful protein addition.
• Fresh salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted potatoes: Pairing with seasoned roasted potatoes adds heartiness to the meal without overshadowing the flavors of the casserole.
• Rice pilaf: A light rice pilaf with herbs can enhance the meal without competing for attention.
• Holiday gatherings: This dish shines during festive occasions like Easter or springtime celebrations, adding color and flavor to your table.
• Picnics: The Asparagus Casserole is a great option for outdoor gatherings, served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Asparagus Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of asparagus with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crispy topping. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!

Asparagus Casserole

The ultimate comfort food for spring, this Asparagus Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish brings a burst of flavor to your table. Make it tonight for a delightful meal that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup g Panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup g Grated parmesan
• 2 pounds g Asparagus woody parts trimmed
• 3 tablespoons g Butter
• 8 ounces g Mushrooms thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons g All-purpose flour
• 2 cups ml Whole milk
• 4 ounces g Cream cheese
• ½ cup g Shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg

Equipment

• Casserole dish
• Skillet
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Blanch the asparagus: Bring 4 quarts of water, and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the asparagus and set a timer for 2-3 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a bowl with ice cold water. When the timer is up, Remove the asparagus from the boiling water, and plunge it into the ice water to stop the cooking process. Leave the asparagus in the ice water for 5 minutes, then drain and dry with paper towels. Cut into 2 inch pieces.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C fan oven. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with parmesan, and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, and add the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add flour and cook for 30 more seconds.
4. Gradually add milk and whisk until heated through. Then add in the cream cheese and mozzarella and nutmeg. Remove from heat and stir to melt the cheeses.
5. Add blanched asparagus to the sauce and stir to combine. Transfer to a 9×13 inch (approx 22 x 33 cm) casserole dish if the dish you’re using is not oven-proof. Sprinkle the panko parmesan mixture over the top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then place under the broiler until the top is golden brown.

Notes

• Tip 1: Don’t skip the ice bath for the asparagus spears. This step stops the cooking process so that you don’t end up with mushy vegetables.
• Tip 2: You can make this recipe with thin stalks of asparagus or thick ones. What’s most important is that the asparagus is fresh and that you’ve removed the parts at the bottom that are woody and difficult to eat.
• Tip 3: If you prefer a different topping, try asparagus casserole with crispy french fried onions instead of the breadcrumbs. Crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers will also be delicious.
• Tip 4: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Previous PostSlow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Next Post Homemade Strawberry Sauce

Meet Fiona Lewis

I love cooking with the seasons and keeping things rustic and real. I believe the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family. I had so much fun creating this recipe, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it!