Mama'S Asparagus Casserole
A comforting asparagus casserole with creamy and crispy textures, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, featuring tender asparagus, savory soup, and toasted bread topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place drained asparagus in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Pour the can of cream of celery soup over the asparagus without adding water.
- Toast the bread slices and spread butter on them.
- Crumble the toasted bread into pieces.
- Place the crumbled bread on top of the asparagus and soup mixture.
- Bake at 350°F until heated through and the top is crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider using fresh asparagus instead of canned for a more vibrant taste. You can substitute cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom if preferred. For a crunchier topping, mix in some grated cheese with the crumbled bread. If you want to cut down on calories, use low-fat margarine or oil instead of stick margarine.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a fruit dish, such as an Energizing Vitamin And Fruit Smoothie, to balance the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It should be consumed within 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, helping maintain the crispiness of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Asparagus Casserole contains roughly 1787 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 173g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1863mg per serving (81% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply layer the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake it directly, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of canned?
Absolutely! Frozen asparagus works well and can enhance the dish's flavor and texture. Just make sure to thaw and drain the asparagus thoroughly before layering it in the baking dish to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
What can I use instead of bread for a gluten-free version?
For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free bread or crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping. Alternatively, consider using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for added crunch. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
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).