Baked Asparagus
A comforting baked asparagus casserole featuring tender asparagus, sliced hard-boiled eggs, pimientos, mushrooms, and melted cheese. Topped with cracker crumbs and baked until bubbly, it offers a savory and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the liquid from the asparagus and reserve the juice.
- In a saucepan, combine the asparagus juice, mushroom soup, chopped pimientos, and chopped mushrooms. Cook over low heat until reaching a pouring consistency.
- Layer half of the asparagus in a greased casserole dish.
- Add a layer of sliced hard-boiled eggs, grated cheese, crushed crackers, and the mushroom mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with grated cheese on top.
- Garnish with paprika.
- Bake until thick and bubbly at 300°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk to the mushroom soup mixture. You can substitute fresh asparagus for canned if you prefer a fresher taste; just blanch it first. If you don't have pimientos, roasted red peppers make a great alternative. For a vegetarian version, ensure your cheese is rennet-free and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based products.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Asparagus pairs beautifully with a light salad or crusty bread. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a comforting side, it also complements dishes like Green Chili Cheese Casserole or even a simple baked potato. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help retain the casserole's texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Asparagus contains roughly 409 calories, with 11g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 685mg per serving (30% 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, fresh asparagus can be used for a more vibrant flavor. Just blanch it briefly before layering it in the casserole. This will help maintain its bright color and crispness during baking.
What can I substitute for the grated cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese. For a lower-fat alternative, you might use reduced-fat cheese or a blend of ricotta and mozzarella for creaminess without too many calories.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the mushroom mixture. You could also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick in their dishes.
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).