Cheesy Baked Asparagus

Cheesy Baked Asparagus with fresh asparagus, heavy cream, Monterey cheese, and parmesan. A quick and creamy side dish everyone will adore!

this Recipe

Okay, confession time: I’ve always liked asparagus, but it’s never been the dish I was excited to see on the table. It’s fine steamed or roasted, but let’s be honest—most of the time, it’s just a little boring. That all changed one night when I realized I had some leftover cream and a mountain of cheese staring back at me from the fridge. The result? Cheesy Baked Asparagus, and oh my gosh, I’ve never looked at asparagus the same way again.

It was one of those lazy weeknight dinners where you just throw things together and hope for the best. I layered the asparagus, dumped in the cream, piled on way too much cheese (is there such a thing?), and baked it. What came out was pure magic. The cream thickened into this velvety sauce, the cheese got all bubbly and golden, and the asparagus—well, it was transformed. Even my picky eater of a partner went back for seconds, which never happens.

Now, it’s my go-to side dish for everything from Sunday roasts to casual brunches. I mean, how often does a veggie dish steal the spotlight?

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe?

So, why should this Cheesy Baked Asparagus be your new favorite side? Here’s the deal:

• Ridiculously Easy: Five ingredients and one dish—it doesn’t get simpler than this.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and just indulgent enough to feel special.
• Asparagus Upgrade: Turns a humble veggie into something fancy (but not too fancy).
• Fast Bake Time: Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile Star: Works for everything from brunch spreads to steak dinners.

Ingredient Notes:

Every ingredient here has a job to do, and they all work together like a dream team:

• Fresh Asparagus: Thick stalks work best—they stay tender without getting mushy.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that rich, luscious base. It soaks into the asparagus and makes every bite magical.
• Monterey Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, giving the dish its signature cheesy pull.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, sharp kick that balances out the richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential—you need this to bring out all the flavors.

Pro Tip: When you’re snapping the woody ends off the asparagus, don’t overthink it. Just bend the stalks, and they’ll break where they’re supposed to.

How To Make Cheesy Baked Asparagus?

This Cheesy Baked Asparagus is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it forever.

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to getting that cheese beautifully golden and bubbly.

2. Prepare the Dish
   Pour the heavy cream into a 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s like a creamy, cozy bed for the asparagus—trust me, it makes all the difference.

3. Add the Asparagus
   Lay the asparagus in a single layer over the cream. Don’t stress if they overlap a little. Season generously with salt and pepper—this is where the magic starts.

4. Cheese It Up
   Sprinkle the shredded Monterey cheese evenly over the asparagus, then top it off with the parmesan. Don’t hold back—it’s called cheesy baked asparagus for a reason.

5. Bake to Perfection
   Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the asparagus is tender but not mushy.

6. Serve and Enjoy
   Let the dish cool for a few minutes before digging in (molten cheese is no joke). Serve it warm and watch it disappear—seriously, this stuff is addictive.

Storage Options:

If you somehow end up with leftovers (unlikely, but let’s pretend), here’s what to do:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.
• Freezer: Not ideal. The cream and asparagus don’t freeze well together—fresh is best!

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy tweaks:

• Different Cheeses: Swap Monterey for mozzarella, cheddar, or gruyere. Each adds its own flair.
• Add Garlic: Sprinkle minced garlic or garlic powder over the cream for an extra punch of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: A dash of red pepper flakes will give it just the right amount of heat.
• Bacon Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking.
• Herb It Up: Add fresh thyme, parsley, or even a sprinkle of rosemary for a burst of freshness.

What to Serve with Cheesy Baked Asparagus?

This dish is so versatile, it works with almost anything. Here are a few ideas:

• Grilled Chicken: The creamy, cheesy asparagus balances perfectly with charred chicken.
• Steak Night: Pair it with a juicy ribeye or filet for an indulgent dinner.
• Pasta Night: Serve alongside fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti marinara for a rich, satisfying meal.
• Brunch Favorite: Imagine this next to eggs benedict or a fluffy omelette.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen asparagus?

You can, but fresh is really best here. Frozen asparagus tends to get watery, which can mess with the creamy base.

How do I stop the cheese from burning?

If the cheese starts browning too quickly, just cover the dish loosely with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything except the cheese, cover it, and refrigerate. Add the cheese just before baking for the freshest results.

So, what do you think? Ready to give this Cheesy Baked Asparagus a try? I’d love to hear how it turns out—or if you gave it your own twist. Leave me a comment, and let’s talk all things cheesy and delicious!

Cheesy Baked Asparagus

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Indulge, in an experience that combines simplicity with flavor – let us introduce you to our delectable recipe, for Cheesy Baked Asparagus. This delightful dish showcases the magic that happens when a handful of selected ingredients come together harmoniously. Imagine tender asparagus, embraced by a velvety blanket of whipping cream and topped off with a combination of Monterey cheese and grated parmesan. The end result? A side dish that not complements but shines on its own.

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5 Servings

Ingredients

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• 1 c. heavy whipping cream
• 2 bunches of asparagus
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 c. Monterey cheese shredded
• 1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Dish: Take a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches and pour in 1 cup of whipping cream.
3. Add Asparagus: Arrange 2 bunches of asparagus on top of the cream. Season them with salt and pepper according to your taste.
4. Layer Cheeses: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Monterey cheese over the asparagus. Then generously sprinkle 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake: Put the dish into the oven. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese turns bubbly golden and the asparagus becomes tender.
6. Serve: Carefully take out the dish from the oven. Let it cool down for a while before serving. You can now relish the combination of creamy, cheesy goodness in your Cheesy Baked Asparagus!

Notes

To make this delicious dish gluten-free be sure to use breadcrumbs that are specifically labeled as gluten-free if you want to add a crunch. When using packaged ingredients, like shredded cheese or sauces double check the labels to confirm that they are certified gluten-free. By making these changes you can enjoy the Cheesy Baked Asparagus without any concerns, about gluten.

Audrey

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Bitty

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!

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