Cheesy Asparagus Casserole – Dive into the heartwarming embrace. Of our Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. A dish where tenderness. Meets the irresistible pull of melted cheese. With the main stars of the show. Being fresh asparagus. And a trio of cheeses. Including the creamy richness of cream cheese. The sharpness of Parmesan. And the gooey goodness of mozzarella. And Asiago. This recipe is set to win hearts. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Or a special gathering. This casserole doesn’t just feed the stomach. But also the soul.
I still remember the first time I decided to make this casserole. It was a chilly evening. And I wanted something. That would not only warm up my kitchen. But also bring a smile. To my husband and child’s faces. As I watched the cheese bubble. And brown under the broiler. I knew I had hit the jackpot. The way their eyes lit up. At the first bite. And the silence that followed. As they savored every forkful. Was all the confirmation I needed. This dish has since become a symbol of comfort in our home. A testament to the simple joy. That good food can bring.
What makes this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole truly special?
What sets this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole apart. Is its incredible versatility. Quick and easy preparation. And customizable heat level. Suited to any broth preference. It seamlessly integrates into any meal plan. Making it a go-to for diverse tables. Its preparation. Requiring merely 10 minutes of prep. And 20 minutes of cooking time. Is a testament to its convenience. Ideal for busy weeknights. Or impromptu gatherings. Moreover, the optional addition of red chili pepper flakes. Allows for heat adjustment to personal taste. Ensuring it’s a crowd-pleaser for spice enthusiasts. And those preferring milder flavors alike.
What You Need To Make This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole Recipe?
Asparagus: The main character. Bringing a fresh, green crunch. That lights up the dish.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness. Blending quietly. But importantly into the background.
Broth: Your choice of vegetable, chicken, or beef. It whispers depth. And warmth into every bite.
Cream Cheese: The smooth operator. Giving the casserole a creamy. Comforting texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a crispy, salty top layer. Everyone will love.
Shredded Cheese (Mozzarella and Asiago): The gooey heart. Stretching into delicious strings. That makes every forkful a joy.
Garlic: Brings a punch of flavor. Whether you go for the fresh kick. Or the convenience of powder.
Salt and Pepper: The essential duo. Fine-tuning the flavors of the dish to perfection.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this is like a mini trip to Italy. Adding rustic charm.
Red Chili Pepper Flakes (Optional): A dash for those who like a little spice. Adding excitement to each bite.
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Fresh Parsley for Garnish: The final touch. Adding a pop of color. And freshness. Saying, “Made with love.”
Steps To Make Cheesy Asparagus Casserole:
Step 1: Kick things off. By heating your oven to a cozy 425°F (220°C). Give a baking dish a little love. With some oil. Or a quick spray. Lay out the asparagus. Creating a verdant bed. Scatter over the onions. The punchy garlic. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning. A pinch of chili flakes for those who dare. And a whisper of salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a bowl. Coax the cream cheese. And broth into a smooth blend. This mixture is then lovingly spread over the asparagus. Now, the magic touch. A flurry of Parmesan. Followed by a generous blanket of shredded cheese.
Step 3: Slide into the oven for 10-15 minutes. Watching as it transforms into a bubbling spectacle of comfort. A final 2-minute flirt under the broiler. Crisps the cheese to golden perfection. Serve this melty masterpiece immediately. Adorned with parsley. For that fresh pop of color.
Tip:
For the Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. Achieving the perfect texture. For the asparagus is key. If you prefer your asparagus tender. But still with a bit of bite. Here’s a trick. Briefly blanch the asparagus spears in boiling water. For about 2 minutes before baking. This step quickly cooks the exterior. Ensuring that once it’s in the casserole and baked. Your asparagus turns out perfectly cooked. Not too crunchy. Not too mushy. Plus, blanching brightens the green color. Making your dish. Not only tastier. But also visually more appealing. This little extra step. Can make a big difference. In the final result. Elevating your casserole to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make it ahead of time?
Assemble everything but the final broil. And refrigerate. When ready. Bake as directed. Adding a few extra minutes. If coming from the fridge.
Is it gluten-free?
As long as your broth is gluten-free. This dish is a delightful gluten-free option.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh is best for texture and flavor. But in a pinch. Thawed frozen asparagus can work. Just pat it dry. And possibly shorten the baking time slightly.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds 680 grams asparagus, woody ends removed
- 1 small onion sliced thin
- 1/2 c 125 ml of broth (vegetable, chicken, beef…)
- 8 oz 225 grams cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 c freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 c shredded cheese of your choice we used a mix of mozzarella and asiago
- 3 large cloves of garlic minced (or 1-2 tbsp garlic powder)
- 1/2 tsp of salt and freshly cracked pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Red chili pepper flakes optional
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Turn your oven on to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly oil or spray a baking dish to make sure nothing sticks.
- Arrange Asparagus & Toppings: Place the asparagus in the dish. Scatter sliced onion, minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, a pinch of chili flakes (if you like it spicy), and some salt and pepper over the asparagus.
- Mix Cream Cheese & Broth: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with your choice of broth until smooth. Spread this mixture over the asparagus.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded cheese over the top. This will give you that beautiful, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. You want to see it bubbly and starting to brown.
- Broil for Crispiness: For the last 2 minutes, switch to the broiler to get the cheese on top nice and crispy.
- Garnish & Serve: Take it out, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color, and serve warm.
- Enjoy your deliciously simple Cheesy Asparagus Casserole!
Notes
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!
