Asparagus And Cheese Sauce
Creamy asparagus topped with sharp cheese and pimentos offers a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for a quick lunch or elegant side dish. The rich cheese sauce complements the tender asparagus, making it a versatile dish suitable for both casual and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Add flour and cook, stirring, to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to make a smooth sauce.
- Add grated cheese, pimentos, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese melts.
- Add cooked asparagus to the sauce and heat through.
- Serve the asparagus and cheese sauce on toast.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. If you don't have sharp cheese, a mild cheddar or even a blend like Redi-Cheese Burger will work well. To make it healthier, you can substitute half of the milk with low-fat yogurt or plant-based milk.
Serving Suggestions
This asparagus and cheese sauce is delightful served over toasted bread as a main dish. For a complete meal, pair it with a light salad or roasted vegetables. It also complements other American recipes, making it versatile for brunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving as it may separate the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus And Cheese Sauce contains roughly 80 calories, with 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1950mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the cheese sauce to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the sauce's consistency.
What type of cheese works best for the sauce?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for its strong flavor, but you can also try Gruyère or a blend of cheeses for a unique taste. Just ensure it's a cheese that melts well.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This asparagus and cheese sauce is a fantastic vegetarian dish. It’s rich and satisfying while being simple to prepare, making it perfect for anyone following vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).