Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Baked Asparagus is a delightful twist on a classic vegetable dish. It combines fresh asparagus with a creamy cheese sauce, making it an irresistible side for any meal. This recipe is not only easy to make but also adds a rich flavor that everyone will love. It’s a great way to encourage even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their greens.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs asparagus, ends trimmed
- 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low moisture mozzarella cheese (or Monterey Jack, or Gruyere)
- 1/2 cup French fried onions
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange the asparagus in the baking dish, allowing for some overlap.
- Season the asparagus with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese, onion powder, and minced garlic.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the asparagus.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese and the mozzarella cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, sprinkle the top with French fried onions.
- Continue baking for another 5 minutes or until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the cheese is bubbly. Adjust the baking time if you prefer your asparagus softer.
- Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the baking dish.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Cheesy Baked Asparagus is best served warm. It makes a perfect side dish for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even pasta. You can also serve it as part of a holiday meal or a special gathering. For an added touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
How to Store Cheesy Baked Asparagus
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them back in the oven until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Tips to Make Cheesy Baked Asparagus
- Make sure to trim the asparagus ends properly. This helps to ensure a tender bite.
- You can mix and match cheeses according to your taste preference.
- Adding lemon zest or juice can brighten the flavors even more.
Variation
Feel free to add different vegetables into the mix, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for added flavor and nutrition. You can also switch up the spices based on what you like.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but be sure to thaw and drain excess water before baking.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Yes, you can skip the French fried onions or use a gluten-free alternative for the topping.
Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Ingredients
Asparagus Preparation
- 2-3 lbs asparagus, ends trimmed
- 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Add for heat if desired.
Cheese Sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1/3 cup for sauce, 1/3 cup for topping.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low moisture mozzarella cheese (or Monterey Jack, or Gruyere)
- 1/2 cup French fried onions Optional topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange the asparagus in the baking dish, allowing for some overlap.
- Season the asparagus with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Making the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese, onion powder, and minced garlic.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the asparagus.
Baking
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese and the mozzarella cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, sprinkle the top with French fried onions.
- Continue baking for another 5 minutes or until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the cheese is bubbly. Adjust the baking time if you prefer your asparagus softer.
- Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the baking dish.