Holiday Asparagus
A creamy, flavorful asparagus casserole layered with mushrooms, chestnuts, pimiento, and eggs, perfect for festive dinners and special occasions, offering rich textures and comforting tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped asparagus ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimiento, drained ⓘ
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen chopped asparagus, drain well, and set aside.
- Combine undiluted cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Layer half of the asparagus, water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms, diced pimiento, sliced eggs, and soup mixture in a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate the assembled casserole.
- Remove from the refrigerator and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle onion rings over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the asparagus is fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option. Instead of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work well for added depth. For added texture, consider topping with crushed crackers before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This holiday asparagus casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a fresh salad. Serve alongside a classic dish like Apple, Pineapple, Cheese Salad for a balanced meal. For a vegetarian option, complement it with a hearty grain salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Asparagus contains roughly 174 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1199mg per serving (52% 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 frozen?
Yes, fresh asparagus can be used instead of frozen. Just blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and cool before layering it in the casserole.
What can I use instead of chestnuts?
If you can't find canned chestnuts, you can omit them or substitute with sliced water chestnuts for a similar crunch. Alternatively, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts could add a nice texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
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).