Asparagus Bake
A creamy, cheesy asparagus bake featuring tender cooked asparagus, hard-cooked eggs, and a flavorful pimento sauce topped with buttery bread crumbs, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter or margarine in a small saucepan.
- Stir in salt and flour.
- Cook until boiling.
- Add milk, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils for 1 minute.
- Add diced pimento to the sauce.
- Combine cooked asparagus and chopped hard-cooked eggs in a baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the mixture.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Add buttered soft white bread crumbs over the cheese.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of Gruyere and Cheddar cheese. If you're short on fresh asparagus, frozen can work in a pinch; just ensure it's well-drained before mixing. To enhance the dish, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.
Serving Suggestions
This Asparagus Bake pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a comforting dessert, finish with a slice of Creamy Lemon Meringue to lighten the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick option, reheating individual portions in the microwave works well, but may result in a softer texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Bake contains roughly 1214 calories, with 17g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2444mg per serving (106% 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 other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute asparagus with broccoli, green beans, or even sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable used to ensure it's tender yet retains some crunch.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you're incorporating any additional flavors. The richness from the cheese and eggs will provide plenty of flavor without the need for meat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're baking it straight from the fridge.
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).