Description
Creamy cheesy asparagus casserole offers comfort and elegance in one delightful dish. Southern home cooks have perfected this classic side that pairs perfectly with main courses and brings warmth to family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) asparagus, woody ends removed
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella and asiago mix)
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (125 ml) broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef)
- 1 small onion, sliced thin
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced (or 1–2 tbsps garlic powder)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Red chili pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to ensure effortless serving and clean release.
- Vegetable Arrangement: Layer asparagus spears evenly across the dish, then scatter thinly sliced onions and minced garlic throughout, creating a vibrant vegetable foundation.
- Seasoning Blend: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, red chili pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the vegetables to develop a complex flavor profile.
- Creamy Integration: Whisk softened cream cheese with broth until smooth, then generously pour the silky mixture over the seasoned vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cheese Topping: Lavishly distribute parmesan and shredded cheese across the cream cheese layer, creating a rich and indulgent cheese blanket.
- Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 10-15 minutes until edges bubble and asparagus becomes perfectly tender, then activate the broiler for 2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust.
- Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, allowing guests to enjoy the dish at its peak temperature and flavor.
Notes
- Oven Precision: Preheat exactly to 425°F for optimal cooking temperature and consistent results.
- Layering Technique: Arrange asparagus in a single, flat layer to ensure even heat distribution and prevent soggy texture.
- Seasoning Strategy: Balance flavors by using kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance natural vegetable taste.
- Cheese Coating Trick: Whisk cream cheese with broth until smooth to create a silky, lump-free sauce that coats asparagus perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg