Tasty Asparagus
A creamy, cheesy asparagus casserole with crunchy cracker topping and toasted almonds, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend 3 tablespoons butter with flour in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add milk and cheese and stir until cheese melts, thinning with milk if too thick.
- Stir cracker crumbs into 1/2 cup melted butter to make the crumb mixture.
- Line a 1 1/2-quart casserole with half of the crumb mixture.
- Alternate layers of asparagus and slivered almonds in the casserole.
- Top with the cheese sauce and remaining cracker crumb mixture.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream alongside the milk. If you’re out of Old English cheese, a mix of cheddar and cream cheese works well as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, replace flour with cornstarch for thickening and use gluten-free cracker crumbs or croutons. This dish can also be enhanced with spices like garlic powder or paprika for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Tasty Asparagus dish can be served as a side to grilled chicken or fish, making it a delightful addition to any meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like roast beef or baked ham. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. Consider sprinkling some extra slivered almonds on top for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method will keep the crumb topping crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tasty Asparagus contains roughly 1058 calories, with 9g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Absolutely! Fresh asparagus will add a wonderful crunch and flavor. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then shock them in ice water before layering them in the casserole. This will help them maintain their vibrant color and crispness.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cheese product. You can also replace the milk with almond milk or coconut milk to maintain creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).