Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole, a perfect marriage of tender, vibrant asparagus and a luscious three-cheese sauce. This crowd-pleasing recipe features a blend of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and savory Parmesan, all topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. Blanched asparagus spears are smothered in a rich béchamel-inspired cheese sauce and baked to bubbly perfection, making it an elegant yet easy side dish for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a casserole that’s not only comforting but also bursting with fresh, cheesy flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus spears
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears and blanch them in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Slowly pour the milk into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, all of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy, then remove from heat.

Step 6

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the blanched asparagus evenly. Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus, ensuring all spears are well-coated.

Step 7

In a small mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the oil.

Step 8

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.

Step 9

Top with the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy crust.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 11

Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy asparagus casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1501.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2643.5

Total Fat 181.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 106.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 545.1mg	0%
Sodium 6694.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 113.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.2g	0%
Total Sugars 33.1g
Protein 154.4g	0%

Vitamin D 221.4IU	0%
Calcium 4069.3mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 1765.4mg	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: 60.5%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 16.7%