Tender Asparagus Baked Cheese (Printable)

Asparagus baked in creamy sauce topped with melted cheese and golden breadcrumbs for a comforting spring dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed

→ Dairy

02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

→ Seasonings

09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

→ Topping

12 - 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain and pat dry. Arrange in the prepared baking dish.
03 - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
04 - Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Continue cooking and whisking until sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Remove from heat. Stir in half of the shredded Gruyère and all Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if desired.
06 - Pour cheese sauce evenly over asparagus. Sprinkle remaining Gruyère over the top.
07 - Toss fresh breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
08 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
09 - Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • That golden bubbly topping makes everyone gravitate to the kitchen before dinner is even announced
  • The velvety cream sauce transforms ordinary asparagus into something people actually fight over for seconds
02 -
  • Overcooking the asparagus during blanching is the biggest mistake, so set a timer and taste a spear to ensure it still has crunch
  • The sauce will seem thin in the pan but thickens perfectly during baking, so resist the urge to add more flour
03 -
  • Use a shallow baking dish rather than a deep one so more surface area gets that golden crust
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
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