Classic Asparagus Casserole For Cozy Nights
The Classic Asparagus Casserole For Cozy Nights is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender asparagus with a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Medium Saucepan
- Casserole Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh Asparagus Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Divided for sautéing and making the roux.
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Used as a thickening agent.
- 2 cups Whole Milk For the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese Cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Plain or seasoned for topping.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the asparagus by rinsing, trimming, and cutting into 2-inch pieces.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the asparagus for 5-7 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine the sautéed asparagus with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For variations, consider adding protein, other vegetables, or different cheeses. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.