Asparagus Casserole will convert anyone into an asparagus-lover in an instant! All it takes to make the roasty, grassy flavor of asparagus truly amazing is a creamy, tangy sauce and some melty cheese on top! Oh, and don’t forget the toasty, buttery breadcrumbs sprinkled all over! That’ll make anything delicious, right? Certainly, it makes Asparagus Casserole a dinner worth getting pumped up for! Three cheers for a humble vegetable made even more delicious!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat
- 3 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 5 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Step 2 –Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
Step 3 –Set a large bowl of ice water near the stove.
Step 4 –Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, about 30 seconds.
Step 5 –Stir the panko breadcrumbs into the melted butter.
Step 6 –Cook the asparagus in the boiling water until they are bright green, about 1 minute.
Step 7 –Drain the asparagus and transfer them to the ice bath to shock them.
Step 8 –Let the asparagus cool for 5 minutes before draining and patting them dry.
Step 9 –Arrange the asparagus in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 10 –Heat the now-empty pot over medium-high heat.
Step 11 –Add the remaining butter to the pot and stir until it has melted.
Step 12 –Add the garlic to the butter and cook, stirring, until it is fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 13 –Add the flour to the butter mixture and cook, while stirring, for 30 seconds.
Step 14 –Gradually whisk the milk into the mixture and bring it to a boil, while whisking constantly.
Step 15 –Continue cooking and whisking the mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 16 –Transfer the pot from the heat and stir in the cream cheese, the mozzarella, and the salt.
Step 17 –Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus and stir to coat.
Step 18 –Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture on top of the asparagus mixture.
Step 19 –Bake until the asparagus are tender, about 12-15 minutes.
Step 20 –Serve.
