Ingredients:
- 2 bunches asparagus, fresh
- 1 tsp butter
- 1/2 oz soft cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp chicken broth (liquid or concentrated)
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Casserole Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water. Snap off the tough ends (the bottom inch or so) and discard them. Chop the remaining asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the chopped asparagus evenly in the dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tsp of butter.
- Add the soft cream cheese and whisk until the cheese begins to melt.
- Gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously.
- Add the garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue to whisk until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Sauce and Asparagus:
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour this hot cheese sauce over the asparagus in the baking dish, trying to coat the pieces evenly while avoiding pouring the sauce over the top ends of the asparagus spears to ensure they roast nicely.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and red pepper flakes evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. For a crunchier asparagus texture, reduce the baking time to 12-13 minutes.
- Final Touches:
- After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and evenly distribute the crumbled bacon over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes to allow the bacon to meld into the cheesy layers.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This will help the cheese sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Notes:
- Cutting Asparagus: When preparing asparagus, use the “snap technique” where you bend the asparagus spear near the base until it snaps. This naturally breaks off the fibrous part of the stalk.
- Photos: For visual guidance, you can refer to the photos provided at the top of the recipe card on our website. These will show you each step to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly.
Enjoy your deliciously cheesy asparagus casserole, perfect for a comforting meal or a festive side dish!
