Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is the perfect dish for brunch or dinner! Tender green asparagus is topped with a creamy cream cheese sauce and oven baked to perfection. This simple side dish will be the star of your Easter or Thanksgiving table.

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is one of the most memorable and delicious dishes I've made in a while.  This simple dish let's fresh spring asparagus shine under a bed of alfredo-like creamy cheese sauce that's made with cream cheese and mozzarella. The cheese sauce is then topped with panko bread crumbs, parmesan, and a nice sprinkle of Italian Spice Mix.

The result is a casserole that not only looks gorgeous but tastes like a dream too.

Sure you could just make Oven Roasted Asparagus, but why not elevate the asparagus a bit for your holiday (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas) table!  Plus, this dish looks fancy but it's surprisingly simple to make AND you could actually pull this off for a weekday dinner too... if you were feeling fancy.

This dish also happens to be low carb, gluten free, vegetarian, and keto!

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole...

• This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole looks fancy but you can make it in less than 30 minutes.
• It's easy enough for a weekday dinner but will easily impress at the holiday table.
• Could be served at a brunch or dinner dish!
• Asparagus is naturally low in calories and high in vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K.  It's also full of folate!
• Is a great way to get folks who may not like asparagus to enjoy it... hello CHEESY sauce!
• It goes great with so many other dishes.

How to select asparagus?

Wondering how to select asparagus for this Asparagus Casserole?  Look for stalks that are plump and firm with the ends closed.  The best ones will also have a bright green color that's not faded.  Stalks should not be limp or wilted.

Asparagus is best in-season in the spring, but can usually be found in grocery stores year round.

Is asparagus better thick or thin?

If you are out shopping for this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole recipe and wondering whether thick or thin asparagus is better, the answer is both! Thin asparagus is more visually appealing for recipes like this BUT thick asparagus is actually known to be more tender.  The fibers in thin stalks are more tightly packed so they are actually a bit tougher.

This recipe can be made with both thick and thin asparagus, so feel free to get whichever type you like more or whatever type the grocery store just happens to have in stock.

Ingredients:

• Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is the star of this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole.  You'll need one pound of those delicious green spears.
• Onion: I like to add a bit of sweet or yellow onion to my casserole to add even more flavor.  Be sure to dice it up small so the flavor and texture don't overwhelm the casserole.
• Cream Cheese: I use some cream cheese melted into milk for the base of the simple no-fail cheese sauce.  You can use reduced or low fat depending on your dietary preferences.
• Parmesan:  Grated Parmesan cheese adds rich flavor to my cheese sauce mixture.  Use more of it in the cheese sauce, but set aside a small amount to sprinkle on top.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella Cheese rounds out this three-cheese sauce.  It's creamy and delicious.  Once again, use reduced or full-fat depending on your preference.
• Milk: Use whichever type of milk you have on hand - whole or even 2%.  I melt the cream cheese into the warm milk to create this simple cheese sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: I like to add some Italian Seasoning with basil, oregano, and thyme to this dish.  Use store-bought or make your own Homemade Italian Spice Mix with my recipe.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds some extra color and texture to the top of this dish.
• Salt & Pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and spray a square baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and line the spears up in a casserole dish.  I like using this one for this recipe. You can find the best place to trim the asparagus by bending it at that end.  It should snap at the point where the woody part ends.  That should guide you on where to trim the rest of the asparagus.
3. Sprinkle the diced onion over the top.  Sprinkle the asparagus and onion with salt and pepper.
4.  Now it's time to make the cheese sauce.  In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the milk and heat until warm. Add the cream cheese and allow it to melt into the milk.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the mozzarella and all but ½ tablespoon of the parmesan. Season with half of the Italian Seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus.
7. Sprinkle the panko, the rest of the parmesan, and the rest of the Italian seasoning on top.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is browned.  If you want a more browned top, put on the broiler for the last minute of cooking.  Just be sure to watch your dish because it can burn fast.
9. Serve immediately for melty cheese!

FAQ

Can you make this ahead?

Yes, you can although I think my Cheese Asparagus Casserole tastes best made fresh.  If you want to make it ahead make it until the point you pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus.  Store in the fridge and when you are ready to enjoy put it in the oven at 425 for 10-15 minutes or until the asparagus is tender.

Can you freeze this asparagus casserole?

Due to the nature of the cheese sauce, I would not freeze this casserole.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Variations

I love this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole recipe as written, but here are some fun ways to mix it up.

• Mix Up the Spices: You could use Herbs de Provence, Everything Bagel Seasoning or just one spice like basil or rosemary.  Fresh basil would also be delicious on top!
• Mix Up the Cheese: You could make this with cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, or any cheese blend you have on hand.  Smoked Gouda would be DREAMY!
• Make it Keto and Low Carb: Leave off the panko breadcrumbs and use more parmesan.
• Double It: For a crowd, make this in a larger rectangle 9x13 casserole dish and simply double the entire recipe starting with two pounds of asparagus.

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is the Perfect Holiday Side Dish!

This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is perfect for Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving!  I love how it comes together easily and how guests rave about the delicious taste.  It will be our little secret on how easy it actually is to make.

Serve it With:

• Easy Baked Salmon with Rosemary
• Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Everything Bagel Deviled Eggs
• Herb and Garlic Roasted Baby Red Potatoes
• The Best Sweet Potato Casserole
• Sheet Pan Frittata with Spring Vegetables
• Portobello Mushroom Steak
• Spinach and Four Cheese Stuffed Mushroom

More Healthy Asparagus Recipes:

• Garlic Parmesan Oven Roasted Asparagus
• Rosemary Lemon Asparagus
• Chilled Asparagus Salad with Feta
• Asparagus and Tomato Salad with Feta
• Asparagus Pasta with Tomato and Pine Nuts
• Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad with Asparagus

If you make this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole recipe

Julie Wunder

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is the perfect dish for brunch or dinner! Tender green asparagus is topped with a creamy cream cheese sauce and oven baked to perfection. This simple side dish will be the star of your Easter or Thanksgiving table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 247 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan, divided
• ¼ cup mozzarella
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• salt and pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and spray a square baking dish with cooking spray.
• Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and line the spears up in a casserole dish. Sprinkle the diced onion over the top. Sprinkle the asparagus and onion with salt and pepper.
  
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the milk and heat until warm. Add the cream cheese and allow it to melt into the milk.
  
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the mozzarella and all but ½ tablespoon of the parmesan. Season with half of the Italian Seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus. Sprinkle the panko, the rest of the parmesan and the rest of the Italian seasoning on top.
  
• Bake for 10-15 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is browned.
• Serve immediately for melty cheese!

Notes

If you want more of a browned cheese, you can put the broiler on for a few minutes at the end of cooking.  Just watch it carefully to prevent it from burning.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 13gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 417mgPotassium: 449mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1536IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 311mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Asparagus Casserole, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Tried this recipe?Mention @Julie_Wunder or tag #RunninginaSkirt!

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