Better Swiss Cheese Ham and Asparagus Bake

Elevate weeknight dinners with the Better Swiss Cheese Ham and Asparagus Bake, a creamy and indulgent casserole that strikes the perfect balance between savory comfort and fresh flavors. Tender blanched asparagus serves as the crisp base, layered with flavorful diced ham and smothered in a velvety Swiss cheese sauce infused with a hint of nutmeg for warmth. Topped with golden panko breadcrumbs and melted cheese, this bake boasts a delightful crunch to complement its rich, gooey interior. Ready in under an hour, this versatile dish shines as a hearty main course or a sophisticated side, perfect for family gatherings or an elegant dinner for four. Delight your palate with this easy-to-make recipe that combines wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Perfect for those searching for irresistible ham and asparagus recipes!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1.5 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups cooked ham, diced
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2

Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, forming a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese until fully melted.

Step 6

Layer the blanched asparagus in the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the diced ham over the asparagus.

Step 7

Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus and ham, spreading it gently to cover everything evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer, followed by the remaining 0.5 cup of Swiss cheese.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.

Step 10

Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, savory dish as a main course or side!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1448.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1976.2

Total Fat 121.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.5g
Cholesterol 455.0mg	0%
Sodium 6509.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.1g	0%
Total Sugars 34.0g
Protein 154.4g	0%

Vitamin D 201.5IU	0%
Calcium 2105.7mg	0%
Iron 14.2mg	0%
Potassium 2576.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.9%

Protein: 30.5%

Carbs: 15.6%