Cheesy Baked Asparagus

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Baked Asparagus is a crowd-pleaser that delivers both richness and freshness. The asparagus retains its crisp tenderness while being enveloped in a luscious creamy cheese sauce. The addition of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses adds depth, while the crispy breadcrumb topping gives it a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving it with steak, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, this dish brings a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Asparagus

• Olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Wash and trim the asparagus, cutting off the tough ends. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

4. In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. Add the heavy cream to the saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, cooking until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the asparagus, ensuring it’s evenly covered.

7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp.

9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

1. Add Baconbacon over the top before baking.: For extra flavor, sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon over the top before baking.

2. Use Different Cheese: Swap out the mozzarella or Parmesan for your favorite cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor.

3. Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can be added to the cheese sauce for an aromatic touch.

4. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Cheesy Baked Asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the asparagus and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble and bake.

2. Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Fresh asparagus is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but frozen asparagus can be used if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.

3. What can I serve this dish with?

Cheesy Baked Asparagus pairs well with a variety of meals, such as grilled chicken, steak, fish, or even a hearty pasta dish.

4. Can I use a different type of cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream, for a lighter version.

5. How do I know when the asparagus is done?

The asparagus should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese sauce should be bubbling while the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

6. Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs if you prefer a smoother texture or use crushed crackers or nuts as an alternative.

7. Can I add more garlic?

Definitely! If you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the sauce for a bolder flavor.

8. Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, Cheesy Baked Asparagus is a vegetarian side dish.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina, to suit your taste preferences.

10. Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the dish after baking. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Asparagus is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy topping. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just craving a flavorful side, this dish is sure to become a favorite. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great way to add variety and indulgence to your meals.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Baked Asparagus is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying side dish that will elevate any meal. Tender asparagus is smothered in a rich garlic cheese sauce, then baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for pairing with steak, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, this dish combines savory flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a simple yet indulgent side that will impress guests and become a new favorite.

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Ingredients

Asparagus

Olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

¼ cup breadcrumbs

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Wash and trim asparagus, cutting off tough ends. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

• In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).

• Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.

• Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus, coating it evenly.

• Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until asparagus is tender and breadcrumbs are golden and crisp.

• Serve hot and enjoy!

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Notes

• You can substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with other cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère.

• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added to the cheese sauce for extra aroma.

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.