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.