Whip up a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any dinner table with this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole recipe. Combining the fresh, green snap of asparagus with a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is not just delicious—it’s a delightful way to bring a touch of elegance to your everyday meals.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to treat yourself to something special, this casserole promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the simplicity of making this savory dish that balances robust flavors with the tender crispness of asparagus.
Ingredients:
- 2 bunches of asparagus
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 ounce soft cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/8 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, prepare a 9×13 baking tray by greasing it lightly.
- Prepare the Asparagus: Wash and trim the ends off the asparagus. Arrange them neatly on the prepared baking tray.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly to combine the ingredients well. Reduce the heat to medium/low and let the sauce simmer until it thickens—this will take a few minutes. Keep whisking occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
- Add the Cheeses: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus in the tray, avoiding the tops to keep a bit of texture in the final dish. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. If you prefer your asparagus with a bit more crunch, consider reducing the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Final Touch: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle over the crumbled bacon, and return it to the oven for an additional 3 minutes, just long enough for the bacon to meld with the other flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Take the casserole out of the oven, let it cool slightly, and then dive into the cheesy goodness!