Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this cheesy and crunchy asparagus casserole. Fresh asparagus is combined with a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping, and baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a hearty side dish for any meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering casserole!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, until crisp-tender. Drain and transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus in the casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are coated in butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the asparagus casserole as a delicious side dish or as a main course with a fresh salad.
Interesting Facts
Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is packed with vitamins A, C, and K.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty meal.