Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

 

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. Tender asparagus is smothered in a rich cheese sauce with a hint of garlic and spice, then finished with crispy bacon. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for holidays and gatherings. The balance of creamy sauce and fresh asparagus keeps it from feeling heavy. A simple, crowd-pleasing vegetable dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

2 bunches asparagus, trimmed

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 ounce cream cheese, softened

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 black pepper

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/8 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Wash and trim the asparagus, then arrange evenly in the baking dish.

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

Stir constantly until ingredients are well blended.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking, until the sauce thickens and no longer sticks to the pan.

Stir in the Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.

Pour the cheese sauce over the middle of the asparagus, avoiding the tips.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the sauce.

Bake for 15 minutes, reducing time by 2–3 minutes if you prefer crunchier asparagus.

Remove from the oven, sprinkle bacon over the top, then bake an additional 3 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes

Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 6

Tips

Pour the cheese sauce mostly over the stalks, not the tips, so the asparagus stays bright and doesn’t overcook.

Serve immediately for best texture, and store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

FAQ

Can I use frozen asparagus?

Fresh works best, but thawed and well-drained frozen asparagus can be used in a pinch.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat from red pepper flakes, which can be reduced or omitted.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead, but bake just before serving for best results.

What main dishes pair well with this?

It’s great with steak, chicken, pork chops, or holiday roasts.