Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a delicious and indulgent side dish that transforms tender asparagus into a creamy, cheesy delight. The rich sauce, made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and a blend of flavorful cheeses like Parmesan and Pepper Jack, coats the asparagus perfectly.

Topped with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, this casserole offers a wonderful balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s an ideal accompaniment for any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Cheesy Asparagus Casserole because it perfectly combines the freshness of asparagus with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s full of flavor.

The melt-in-your-mouth blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and two kinds of cheese creates a luscious, indulgent coating, while the crispy bacon adds a savory crunch.

The subtle kick from the red pepper flakes adds a surprising burst of flavor without overpowering the dish.

It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings together a great mix of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Key Ingredients:

Asparagus Size: When selecting asparagus, try to pick stalks that are medium to thick, as they hold up better in casseroles. Make sure to trim the tough ends before baking.

Creamy Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the cream reduce for a few extra minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Adjust the consistency to your liking before adding the cheese.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyère can be great alternatives to Pepper Jack for a milder or more robust flavor. A bit of mozzarella on top can add extra gooeyness.

Bacon: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits. However, freshly crumbled bacon adds more flavor and texture to the dish.

Spice Level: The red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount or even add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance by assembling it, then covering and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Crunchy Asparagus: If you prefer your asparagus to be more tender-crisp, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes. For a softer texture, bake the casserole for the full 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a hearty steak. It also makes a great addition to holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

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:

Heat the oven to 400 degrees.

Wash and trim the asparagus, then grease a 9 x 13 baking tray and place them in it.

In a skillet, melt the butter over a medium heat, then add the soft cheese, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Stirring constantly until ingredients are well blended.

Reduce the heat to medium/low and bring the sauce to a simmer until the heavy whipping cream has reduced and thickened.

Keep whisking until it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

It will take a few min for sauce to reduce & thick.

Once thick, add the Parmesan cheese and Pepper Jack cheese and continue to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus in the middle of the casserole, avoiding the tops of the asparagus.

Next, sprinkle mozzarella cheese and crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese sauce.

Bake for 15 minutes.If you prefer crunchy asparagus, you can reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes.

Remove from oven and add bacon crumbs to the top.

Bake for another 3 minutes and

Enjoy!

Notes:

Asparagus Preparation: Make sure to trim the tough ends of the asparagus before using it in the casserole. You can also cut the asparagus into smaller, more manageable pieces if you prefer.

Cream Sauce Thickness: The sauce will thicken as it simmers, but if you find it too thin, you can let it cook a bit longer to reduce further. Stir frequently to prevent burning. For a smoother consistency, use a hand mixer to blend the sauce before adding the cheese.

Cheese Options: While Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheese are used in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like sharp Cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. A combination of cheeses will create an even richer sauce.

Bacon Variations: Freshly cooked and crumbled bacon gives the casserole a crispy texture and smoky flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can substitute with store-bought bacon bits, but freshly cooked bacon will always yield the best results.

Adjusting Spice Level: The red pepper flakes add a mild kick to the dish. If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, you can omit them entirely.

Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking, and add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Crunchy vs. Tender Asparagus: For a more crunchy texture, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes. If you prefer softer asparagus, stick to the full baking time of 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a simple salad for a complete meal. It’s also a great addition to holiday spreads like Thanksgiving or Easter.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Calories: 250 | Fat: 20 grams | Protein: 7 grams | Carbohydrates: 7 grams | Fiber: 2grams | Sodium: 400 milligrams

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can customize the cheese according to your preference.

While the recipe calls for Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere.

Is it necessary to use heavy whipping cream?

Heavy whipping cream adds richness to the sauce, but if you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk.

Keep in mind that the consistency and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.

When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or substitute it with vegetarian bacon bits or crispy fried onions for a similar crunch and flavor.

Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.

Conversely, if you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

While fresh asparagus is preferred for optimal texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus if fresh is unavailable.

However, be sure to thaw and drain the frozen asparagus before using it in the casserole.

Is it necessary to use both Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheese?

The combination of Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheese adds depth of flavor to the casserole, but you can customize the cheese selection based on your preference.

Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations or use only one type of cheese.

What can I serve alongside this casserole?

This cheesy asparagus casserole pairs well with a variety of main dishes such as roasted chicken, grilled fish, or steak.

You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Can I substitute heavy whipping cream with a lighter alternative?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or whole milk.

Keep in mind that the consistency and richness of the sauce may vary slightly with different dairy alternatives.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or crispy fried onions for a similar texture and flavor.

Can I adjust the spice level of this casserole?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.

If you prefer a milder dish, use less red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.

Conversely, if you enjoy a spicier flavor, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.

What is the purpose of the chicken broth in this recipe?

The chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the cheese sauce, enhancing its overall taste.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute.

Can I use different seasonings in the cheese sauce?

Feel free to customize the seasoning blend according to your taste preferences.

You can experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, basil, or smoked paprika to add complexity to the dish.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done baking when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the asparagus is tender.

You can also check for doneness by inserting a fork into the asparagus to ensure it pierces easily.

Adjust the baking time as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness.