Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Asparagus Casserole is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with the crisp texture of asparagus. This dish is a great way to enjoy one of spring’s freshest vegetables, and it’s perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce, combined with a crispy topping, takes the asparagus to the next level, and it’s a great way to add vegetables to the table while keeping everyone satisfied.

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or any cream soup of your choice)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
2 tablespoons butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
Prepare the asparagus: Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Blanch the asparagus by placing it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and slightly tender. Drain the asparagus and set it aside.
Make the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion (if using), garlic powder, thyme or parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Combine the asparagus and sauce: Add the blanched asparagus to the bowl with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the asparagus evenly in the creamy mixture.
Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the asparagus mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Add the topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Cheese Variations: Use different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or a blend of your favorites for a unique flavor profile.
Add Protein: Add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon bits to make this casserole a more substantial dish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version of this casserole.
Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free sour cream, vegan mayonnaise, and plant-based cheese alternatives for a vegan version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover asparagus casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 40-45 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the top is crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

While fresh asparagus is ideal, you can use frozen asparagus. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.

3. Can I make this dish without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or a homemade white sauce if you prefer.

4. Is this casserole gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. However, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese can add a different flavor to the casserole.

6. How can I make this casserole spicier?

To add some heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a little hot sauce into the sauce mixture.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

8. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.

9. Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?

Yes, if you have a smaller dish, you can adjust the recipe accordingly. A 9×9-inch baking dish will work well if you want to make a smaller portion.

10. Can I use different herbs?

Yes, you can use a variety of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or even dill to change up the flavor profile of the casserole.

Conclusion

Asparagus Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that combines the earthy flavor of asparagus with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or as a satisfying side to accompany any meal. With its easy preparation and rich flavors, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Asparagus Casserole

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Asparagus Casserole is a comforting, savory dish that brings together the fresh, tender flavors of asparagus with a creamy, cheesy sauce, creating a delightful side dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole offers a rich, flavorful take on the classic asparagus preparation, transforming a simple vegetable into something extraordinary.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: undefined
Category: Side Dish
Method: undefined
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Blanch the asparagus by placing it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion (if using), garlic powder, thyme or parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
Add the blanched asparagus to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Transfer the asparagus mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika in the sauce.
To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
If you want a creamier version, increase the amount of sour cream or add a bit of heavy cream to the sauce.
Add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon bits to make it a more substantial dish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg