Baked Asparagus Casserole
A savory baked asparagus casserole with cheesy, buttery, and crunchy layers, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together grated Cheddar cheese, melted butter, and cracker crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, blend cream of mushroom soup and juice from the asparagus.
- Layer in a buttered casserole dish the crumb mixture, asparagus spears, soup mixture, and nuts.
- End the layering with the crumb mixture on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding cooked bacon or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor. If you're out of Cheddar, any semi-hard cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack works well. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms and heavy cream, making it a great choice for vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This baked asparagus casserole makes for a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Potatoes And Cube Steaks for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but for best results, cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Asparagus Casserole contains roughly 1101 calories, with 11g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium.
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! Blanch it in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes before adding it to the casserole. This ensures it's tender and well-cooked after baking, enhancing the overall dish's texture.
Is there a gluten-free option for the cracker crumbs?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Alternatively, consider making your own using gluten-free bread. Just dry it out and crush it to create crumbs for this casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly.
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).