Creamy Asparagus Casserole with Gruyère

Tender asparagus spears are bathed in a luscious, creamy Gruyère cheese sauce and baked to perfection under a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust. This Asparagus Casserole is a comforting and elegant dish, perfect for celebrating spring's best produce. Whether served as a hearty side or a satisfying vegetarian main, it's a classic that never fails to impress.

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The heart of this casserole is the rich béchamel sauce, infused with nutty Gruyère and savory Parmesan. It beautifully coats each spear of asparagus, ensuring every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of simple, from-scratch cooking that transforms fresh vegetables into a truly memorable meal.

Ingredients

• Vegetables
• 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
• Dairy
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Seasonings
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Topping
• 1/2 cup (30 g) fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and blanch for 2–3 minutes until just tender and bright green. Drain and pat dry. Arrange asparagus in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook, whisking, until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 5

Remove from heat. Stir in half the Gruyère (1/2 cup) and all the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.

Step 6

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the asparagus. Sprinkle remaining Gruyère over the top.

Step 7

In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 8

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 9

Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce or mix chopped chives into the topping.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute mozzarella or cheddar for Gruyère if desired.

Serviervorschläge

Serve as a side with roasted chicken or as a vegetarian main.

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Enjoy this delightful Asparagus Casserole hot from the oven, with its bubbly cheese and fragrant steam promising a delicious, comforting meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this asparagus dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time since it will be cold. For best results, add the breadcrumb topping just before baking.

→ What other cheeses work well in this creamy casserole?

Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, while mozzarella creates excellent melting qualities. Swiss, Fontina, or havarti also work beautifully. For extra richness, try mixing multiple varieties.

→ Do I need to blanch the asparagus first?

Blanching ensures the asparagus cooks evenly and maintains its bright green color. Skip this step and the spears may become tough or undercooked in the center after baking.

→ Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

Frozen asparagus works in a pinch, though fresh provides better texture and flavor. Thaw completely and pat dry before using, then reduce the initial blanching time to 1-2 minutes.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The dish is ready when the cheese sauce bubbles around the edges and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown. This typically takes 20-25 minutes at 400°F.

→ What main dishes pair well with this creamy side?

Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or herb-crusted lamb complement the rich flavors beautifully. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside quinoa-stuffed peppers or wild rice pilaf.