Cheesy Asparagus Casserole 🧀🌱

Overview:

This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a delightful dish that transforms ordinary asparagus into a cheesy sensation that even the pickiest eaters will adore. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious side dish to accompany your main course. Whether you’re a die-hard asparagus fan or someone who usually shies away from this vegetable, this casserole is sure to win you over with its creamy, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

1 bunch of fresh asparagus
6 eggs
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups cornflakes, crushed

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

Start by hard-boiling the eggs until they are cooked through. Once done, peel and slice them into rounds.
Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim off any tough ends. Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and parboil them until they are tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.

2. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake the casserole.

3. Layer the Casserole:

Take a 2.5-liter casserole dish and line the bottom with the parboiled asparagus. Next, arrange the sliced or chopped hard-boiled eggs over the asparagus in an even layer.

4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

In a nonstick saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the butter, stirring continuously to form a thick paste.
Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated sharp cheddar cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the layer of asparagus and eggs in the casserole dish, ensuring that everything is well coated with the cheesy goodness.

6. Add the Topping:

In the same saucepan used to make the cheese sauce (no need to wash it), melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the crushed cornflakes to the saucepan and mix until they are well coated with butter.

7. Bake or Microwave:

Sprinkle the butter-coated cornflakes evenly over the top of the casserole, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can microwave the assembled casserole for about 5 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown, remove it from the oven or microwave.
Serve this delicious Cheesy Asparagus Casserole hot as a side dish alongside your favorite main course, and watch as it disappears from the table in no time.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 593.4
Total Fat: 42.5g
Saturated Fat: 24.4g
Cholesterol: 424.2mg
Sodium: 714.5mg
Carbohydrates: 23.8g
Fiber: 2.6g
Sugars: 3.8g
Protein: 31.3g

Recipe Notes:

Feel free to customize this casserole to suit your taste preferences. You can add other ingredients like cooked bacon or diced ham for an extra flavor boost.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.
This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying addition to any meal. Enjoy!