Asparagus Cheese Casserole
A creamy asparagus casserole layered with eggs and cheese, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs or Parmesan, perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in melted butter until tender.
- Blend in flour with the onion and butter mixture.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add salt, pepper, and shredded Cheddar cheese; mix well.
- Alternate layers of drained canned asparagus and sliced hard-cooked eggs in a buttered casserole dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the layered ingredients.
- Top with buttered bread crumbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're looking for a lower-calorie version, substitute low-fat cheese and use whole wheat bread crumbs. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a twist. For added flavor, try incorporating garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme into the cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a great main dish, perfect paired with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It could also complement the flavors of Simple Corn Souffle for a delightful dinner spread. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of color and flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the texture may not be as crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Cheese Casserole contains roughly 687 calories, with 6g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1348mg per serving (59% 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 fresh asparagus instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh asparagus! Just blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain and layer it in the casserole. This will add a fresher flavor and a nice crunch to the dish.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! This casserole is already vegetarian-friendly. You can enhance the dish by adding more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Just ensure you use a vegetarian cheese option for the sauce.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
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).