Asparagus With Cream
Creamy asparagus baked with a golden breadcrumb topping makes for a comforting, elegant side dish. The tart sour cream pairs beautifully with tender asparagus, enhanced by butter and seasonings. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set the oven at 325°F.
- Arrange the drained cooked or canned asparagus in a shallow, buttered baking dish.
- Spread the sour cream evenly over the asparagus. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Top with bread crumbs and dot generously with butter.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crumbs are nicely browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the dish, consider adding some grated cheese on top before baking or mixing in some freshly chopped herbs, like dill or chives, with the sour cream. If you don't have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works as a great substitute. For a twist, you can also mix in some cooked bacon bits for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy asparagus dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile side for your main course. Serve alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For a delightful vegetarian option, consider serving it with Creamed Rice to soak up the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Reheat at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the topping remains crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus With Cream contains roughly 364 calories, with 4g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 663mg per serving (29% 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 or cooked?
Absolutely! If using fresh asparagus, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain before proceeding with the recipe. This will ensure your asparagus retains a nice crunch and vibrant color in the final dish.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute olive oil or a plant-based margarine for the butter in this recipe. This will still allow you to achieve a nice golden brown color on the topping while keeping it dairy-free.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This will allow you to maintain the crunchy topping without compromising on texture or flavor.
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).