Creamy, cheesy asparagus with a golden cracker topping—this Asparagus Cracker Casserole is comforting, easy, and full of spring flavor.
So, here’s the thing about Asparagus Cracker Casserole—I didn’t grow up with it. I mean, casseroles, sure. But asparagus? Not so much. My mom thought it was bitter, my dad called it “green sticks,” and it just wasn’t part of our rotation.
Fast forward to Easter a few years ago—I was staying with my friend Lindsay’s family in Kentucky. Her mom made this casserole that didn’t look like much, to be honest. Kind of beige on top, a little bubbly around the edges, and filled with what looked like chopped asparagus hiding under a Ritz cracker crust. I hesitated. I really did.
But then I took a bite.
I remember this wave of warm, savory, slightly tangy comfort—the kind of thing you don’t expect from a vegetable-based dish. The asparagus was tender but still had a little bite. The cheese was sharp and melty. And those crackers? They brought it home. I went back for seconds. Maybe thirds, I’m not telling.
Now I make it every spring. Sometimes around Easter, sometimes just because asparagus is on sale. And each time, it feels a little like coming home—even though it didn’t start out that way.
Why You’ll Love This Asparagus Cracker Casserole Recipe?
So, yeah. Maybe you’re like I was—unsure how to feel about asparagus in a baked dish that also involves mayo and crackers. I get it. But here’s why this works better than it probably should:
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It’s cozy. Not fancy, not show-offy. Just warm, cheesy, slightly nostalgic comfort food. You know the kind.
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It balances texture really well. The asparagus has a bit of crunch. The sauce is creamy. And the crackers? Crispy gold.
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It’s unexpectedly addictive. You don’t expect to love it, and then suddenly the spoon’s back in the dish. Again.
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It makes vegetables feel indulgent. Like hey, you could eat salad… but this is still technically full of greens, right?
Is it elegant? Nah. But does it make people pause mid-bite and say, “Wait, what is this?” Absolutely.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down what you need for this Asparagus Cracker Casserole—and why each thing earns its spot.
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2 lbs fresh asparagus – Trimmed and chopped. Go for bright green spears that snap, not bend.
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½ cup mayonnaise – I know, I know. Just trust it. It brings creaminess and a little tang.
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese – Grated. Use sharp for more flavor—this isn’t the place for mild.
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2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp flour + 1 cup milk – Your basic white sauce building blocks. It’s like homemade soup without the stress.
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½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder – These keep it flavorful without dirtying a cutting board. Win.
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15 Ritz crackers, crushed – Because casseroles without a crunchy top just feel… unfinished.
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Salt & pepper – Add to taste. I go light on the salt because the crackers and cheese do their thing.
Honestly, you might already have most of this on hand. That’s part of the charm.
How To Make Asparagus Cracker Casserole?
Let me walk you through this—not like a chef, but like a friend texting you in between bites.
Step 1: Get the oven going.
Preheat to 375°F. And yes, line up your baking dish (9×13 works great).
Step 2: Mix the base.
In a big bowl, throw in your chopped asparagus, mayo, and shredded cheese. It’ll look kinda messy. That’s okay. This isn’t meant to be pretty yet.
Step 3: Make the sauce.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook it for a minute or two until it smells a bit nutty (but don’t let it brown unless you’re feeling bold). Slowly whisk in the milk. Keep stirring. Once it thickens to a smooth sauce, toss in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Mix it all together.
Pour the sauce into your big asparagus bowl. Stir it like you mean it. You want everything coated.
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Step 5: Into the dish it goes.
Spread the mixture into your baking dish. Smooth the top a bit. It won’t be Pinterest-perfect, but trust the flavor.
Step 6: Add the crackers.
Crush up your Ritz crackers. You can put them in a bag and bash them with a rolling pin, or honestly, just crush ’em by hand. Sprinkle them evenly across the top.
Step 7: Bake it.
Slide it into the oven. Bake for about 40–50 minutes. The edges should be bubbling and the top golden brown. Want a little extra crisp? Broil for the last 1–2 minutes—but don’t walk away. I’ve burned one too many cracker toppings doing that.
Let it sit for 5 minutes if you have the patience. I usually don’t.
Storage Options:
So if—if—you’ve got leftovers, here’s how to handle them:
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Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Microwave it, or reheat in the oven if you want to keep that topping crispy.
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Freezer: Yes, but know the crackers will soften a bit. Still tasty, just a little different.
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Make-ahead tip: Assemble everything but the cracker topping, cover, refrigerate, and add the crackers right before baking. I’ve done this the night before and it works great.
Variations and Substitutions:
Let’s be honest, we all forget ingredients sometimes. Or just don’t feel like running to the store. No judgment.
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No fresh asparagus? Use frozen. Just thaw and pat it dry first so your casserole doesn’t go soggy.
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No mayo? Try sour cream or even plain Greek yogurt. Slightly different flavor, but it works.
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Different cheese? Sure! Swiss, Colby Jack, or even Pepper Jack if you want a little kick.
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Add-ins: Bacon (obviously), cooked chicken, chopped green onions, mushrooms… I’ve experimented. No regrets.
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Gluten-free? Use GF flour for the sauce and swap in gluten-free crackers or crushed potato chips.
Point is—you’ve got options. Don’t stress it.
What to Serve with Asparagus Cracker Casserole?
I love this dish solo, but it also plays nice with others. Try it with:
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Roast chicken – Classic.
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Ham or turkey – Great for holidays or leftovers.
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Simple salad – You need something crisp to balance the richness.
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Fried egg on top – Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. It makes brunch out of leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this vegetarian?
It already is! Unless you sneak bacon in. (Which, I mean… no judgment.)
Can I halve the recipe?
Totally. Use an 8×8 dish and start checking doneness at 30–35 minutes.
Do I need to blanch the asparagus first?
Nope. The baking takes care of it. It comes out tender but still with a bite. Perfect.
So… gonna try it? This Asparagus Cracker Casserole might not be trendy or photogenic (though you can gussy it up), but it’s a solid, comforting dish that hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of thing you end up making again even when asparagus isn’t in season, because yeah—it’s that good.
If you give it a go, let me know how it turns out. Did you tweak it? Did your grandma ask for the recipe? Did you burn the crackers? (Same.) Let’s swap stories. And maybe casseroles too.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Asparagus Cracker Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh asparagus ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 15 butter crackers e.g., Ritz, crushed
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the casserole. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Combine Asparagus with Cheese and Mayonnaise
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared asparagus, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly coated. Set aside while the sauce is prepared.
Prepare the White Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, whisk in the flour and cook for approximately 1–2 minutes, whisking continuously to prevent browning and to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Season the Sauce
- Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat once fully combined.
Combine All Ingredients
- Pour the prepared sauce over the asparagus mixture and stir gently until the sauce is fully incorporated and the asparagus is evenly coated.
Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
Add the Cracker Topping
- Evenly sprinkle the crushed butter crackers over the top of the casserole.
Bake the Casserole
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. For a crisper topping, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at the end of the baking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
- Replace the butter crackers with a gluten-free alternative. Many brands offer gluten-free buttery round crackers or crushed gluten-free breadsticks that work well as a topping.
- Always verify that the mayonnaise and cheese are free from gluten-containing additives, particularly if cooking for someone with celiac disease.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!