Asparagus With Cheese And Mushrooms
Creamy asparagus topped with melted American cheese and mushrooms, served on toast for a comforting, flavorful vegetarian meal suitable for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook asparagus until tender, following package instructions if using frozen.
- Drain thoroughly after cooking.
- In a pan, melt butter and cook sliced mushrooms until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove mushrooms from the pan and set aside.
- Add more butter to make a total of 1/4 cup in the pan.
- Stir in flour and blend well.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add shredded American cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Return cooked mushrooms to the cheese sauce and blend well.
- Divide the mixture into 6 portions.
- Arrange cooked asparagus on hot buttered toast slices.
- Pour the cheese and mushroom sauce over the asparagus.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the mushrooms as they cook. If you don't have American cheese, cheddar or Gruyère can be great substitutes. To make this dish lighter, you can use less butter or a butter alternative. Fresh asparagus is preferred, but frozen can work in a pinch—just ensure it's well-drained after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad dressed with Country Buttermilk Dressing, or roasted potatoes for a heartier meal. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete dinner. For a vegetarian option, serve it with a side of quinoa or a vegetable stir-fry.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the asparagus and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat gently, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as it can cause the cheese sauce to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus With Cheese And Mushrooms contains roughly 797 calories, with 9g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (37% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1661mg per serving (72% 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 different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While American cheese provides a creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder flavor or sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. Just ensure the cheese melts well in the sauce.
What can I do with leftover asparagus?
Leftover asparagus can be added to salads, omelets, or pasta dishes. You can also chop it up and mix it into a frittata for a delicious breakfast. Just make sure to store it properly to maintain its freshness.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese and mushroom sauce and cook the asparagus ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and when you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce and assemble the dish on toast. This makes for a quick and easy meal!
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).