Spring Asparagus
A creamy asparagus casserole with sharp cheddar and subtle marjoram, topped with buttery crumbs—perfect for spring gatherings and family dinners alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend together cream of celery soup, shredded Cheddar cheese, ground marjoram, and asparagus liquid.
- Carefully mix in cooked green asparagus and sliced hard-cooked eggs.
- Pour mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Combine melted butter or oleo with 1/8 teaspoon marjoram.
- Add cereal crumbs to the butter mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the soup mixture. If you don't have cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom or chicken soup can be good substitutes. You can also use fresh asparagus instead of canned, just steam it lightly before adding. For a crunchier topping, try adding some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a light meal. For a more substantial dinner, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great side dish for brunch, complementing items like Classic Scrambled Eggs or Country-Style Pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spring Asparagus contains roughly 566 calories, with 13g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (32% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1015mg per serving (44% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of hard-cooked eggs?
If you prefer not to use eggs, you can leave them out entirely or substitute with silken tofu for a vegetarian option. This will change the texture slightly but will still provide a creamy consistency to the dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of celery soup and replace any cereal crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This will ensure that you can enjoy this delicious dish without any gluten concerns.
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).