Asparagus Casserole

Name: Asparagus Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed; 4 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups half-and-half cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; TOPPING:; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Total Time Prep: 15 mins. Cook: 30 mins.

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Asparagus fans will delight in this simple asparagus casserole that's creamy, easy to make and pairs well with many dishes. While fresh asparagus is best here, you can also make it with canned or thawed asparagus.

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups half-and-half cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
TOPPING:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Arrange asparagus in a 13x9-in. baking dish.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in cream. Bring to a low simmer; cook until sauce has thickened, 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. Pour sauce over asparagus.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, cracker crumbs and Parmesan. Sprinkle mixture on top of asparagus. Bake, covered, 10-15 minutes. Uncover; bake until asparagus is tender and topping is golden brown, 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 206 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.

Fresh asparagus is best for this decadent and quick casserole. The crisp-tender stalks are enveloped in a beautiful creamy Parmesan sauce and topped with a buttery cracker topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Recipe Creator