Wayne'S Asparagus Casserole
Wayne's Asparagus Casserole is a comforting dish featuring tender asparagus and peas layered with a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it combines rich flavors with a cheesy topping, baked to perfection for a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Add flour and the liquid from the asparagus can and the cream of asparagus soup; heat until creamy.
- Mix milk and cornstarch, then add to the mixture and cook until thickened.
- In a casserole dish, layer half of the English peas and half of the asparagus.
- Cover with half of the thickened sauce.
- Repeat with remaining peas, asparagus, and sauce.
- Top with grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F until heated throughout and cheese is melted, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the sauce. You can substitute the LeSueur English peas with fresh peas or frozen peas if preferred. If you want to enhance the flavor, add some sautéed onions or garlic to the butter before adding the flour. This dish pairs beautifully with Onion Squares for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Wayne's Asparagus Casserole is a delightful main dish that can be served alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, serve it with Monterey Spaghetti for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wayne'S Asparagus Casserole contains roughly 670 calories, with 11g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. 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?
Yes, you can use fresh asparagus. Just steam or blanch it until tender, then chop it before layering in the casserole. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish while keeping it vibrant and fresh.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Ensure that the cream of asparagus soup and cheese used are also gluten-free to keep the entire dish compliant.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).