Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a delectable side dish that combines tender asparagus with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress with its layers of flavor and creamy texture.

Ingredients

• 2 bunches of asparagus
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 ounce soft cream cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/8 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

2. Prepare the Asparagus:

• Wash and trim the asparagus. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and arrange the asparagus evenly inside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the soft cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and chicken broth.
• Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Continue to stir constantly until the ingredients are well blended.

4. Thicken the Sauce:

• Reduce the heat to medium-low and bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing the heavy whipping cream to reduce and thicken. Keep whisking to prevent sticking.
• Once thickened, add the Parmesan cheese and Pepper Jack cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

• Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus, focusing on the middle to avoid covering the tips.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and red pepper flakes over the cheese sauce.

6. Bake:

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. If you prefer crunchier asparagus, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes.

7. Add Bacon and Finish:

• Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes.

8. Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this rich and creamy asparagus dish!

Tips:

• Asparagus: Choose fresh, firm asparagus for the best results. Thicker stalks may require slightly longer cooking times.
• Cheese Sauce: Stir the sauce continuously to avoid it sticking to the pan. If it becomes too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
• Bacon: For an extra crispy topping, cook the bacon until it’s well done before crumbling.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• Serving: This casserole pairs well with roasted meats, making it a great side dish for holiday meals or special occasions.

This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole offers a wonderful combination of textures and flavors, with tender asparagus enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with crispy bacon. It’s an irresistible dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds!