Looking for a delectable side dish to elevate your dinner table? Look no further than this cheesy asparagus casserole recipe! Bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create this irresistible dish and provide some creative twists to make it even more memorable.
1. Gathering the Ingredients
Before diving into cooking, gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
1.1 Asparagus and Cheese Sauce
- 2 bunches of fresh asparagus.
- 1 tbsp butter.
- 1/2 oz soft cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream.
- 1 tbsp chicken broth.
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- 1/4 tsp paprika.
- 1/8 tsp salt.
- 1/8 tsp pepper.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1/8 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded.
1.2 Toppings
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
- 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon.
How to Make Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process:
2. Preparing the Asparagus
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash and trim the asparagus, then arrange them in a greased 9 x 13 baking tray.
3. Making the Cheese Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the soft cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly until the ingredients are well blended.
4. Thickening the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce until the heavy whipping cream reduces and thickens. Keep whisking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once thickened, add the Parmesan cheese and Pepper Jack cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
5. Assembling the Casserole
Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus in the baking tray, ensuring to cover them evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese sauce.
6. Baking the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. If you prefer crunchier asparagus, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes. After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the top.
7. Serving and Enjoying
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes to heat the bacon. Once done, remove from the oven and serve this mouthwatering cheesy asparagus casserole hot. Enjoy the creamy goodness and irresistible flavors!
This cheesy asparagus casserole is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a flavorful side dish, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender asparagus, and crispy bacon topping, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your dinner table with this irresistible dish!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
- While fresh asparagus is preferred for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen asparagus if fresh is not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Can I substitute the bacon with other toppings?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite toppings such as crispy onions, toasted breadcrumbs, or chopped nuts.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
- You can easily make this recipe vegetarian-friendly by omitting the bacon or using a meatless bacon alternative.
- Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
- Yes, you can double or even triple the ingredients to feed a larger group. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and use a larger baking dish.
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