Lu'S Holiday Asparagus
A creamy, savory asparagus casserole layered with mushrooms, water chestnuts, pimento, and topped with crispy fried onion rings, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 (15 oz.) cans Green Giant tender green asparagus ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped asparagus, drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimento, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 hard-cooked egg, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the canned or frozen asparagus and set aside.
- Combine the undiluted cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
- Layer half of the asparagus, water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms, diced pimento, sliced hard-cooked egg, and the soup mixture in a greased oblong casserole dish.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate the casserole several hours or overnight before serving.
- Just before serving, sprinkle fried onion rings on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture. If you prefer a fresher taste, substitute fresh asparagus for the canned and frozen varieties. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms or add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Lu's Holiday Asparagus makes a delightful side dish for holiday meals or gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or vegetarian dishes. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread. Don't forget to explore more vegetarian recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lu'S Holiday Asparagus contains roughly 1065 calories, with 21g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (76% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2521mg per serving (110% 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 frozen?
Yes, fresh asparagus can be used for a fresher taste. Just blanch it for a couple of minutes before layering it in the casserole to ensure it's tender by the time it’s done baking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Lu's Holiday Asparagus gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup alternative. Additionally, check that the fried onion rings are gluten-free or consider making your own from scratch using gluten-free flour.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste when served.
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).