Asparagus Cheese Pie
A savory asparagus and cheese pie featuring a crispy crumb crust, rich cheese filling, and aromatic herbs, perfect for brunch, lunch, or light dinner. Suitable for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine Parmesan cheese and cracker or bread crumbs.
- Pat the mixture into a greased 10-inch pie pan or 2-quart baking dish.
- Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, and eggs.
- Stir in asparagus, dried basil, garlic powder, and dried parsley flakes.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Pour the egg mixture over the crumb crust.
- Smooth the top of the filling.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese as a substitute for cottage cheese. You can also add other herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor. If you want to reduce calories, use low-fat cheeses. Ensure that the asparagus is tender before mixing it into the filling to avoid a crunchy texture in the pie. Also, let the pie cool slightly before slicing to maintain its shape.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Asparagus Cheese Pie warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant touch. It pairs nicely with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a side of roasted potatoes or a slice of crusty bread. This dish is also a great addition to any brunch menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until warm. For a crispier crust, you can reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This dish is also great served cold, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Cheese Pie contains roughly 268 calories, with 19g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (181% of the Daily Value), calcium (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. At about 268 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the pie. Fresh asparagus will provide a better texture and flavor, but frozen can be a convenient alternative if fresh is not available.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the edges are lightly golden and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Make sure to check a few spots, as the filling should be set but still moist. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil during baking.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just cover it with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's still cold 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).