Asparagus Casserole Crock Pot

🍽️ Sure, I’d be happy to provide you with information about Asparagus Casserole made in a crockpot!

What is Asparagus Casserole?
Asparagus Casserole is a delightful dish that combines fresh asparagus, a creamy sauce, and a crispy topping. It’s a comfort food that’s often served as a side dish, especially during holiday meals or family gatherings.

History:
The exact origin of asparagus casserole is unclear, but it’s a classic American dish that likely emerged in the mid-20th century. Asparagus, being a seasonal vegetable, was often featured in various dishes, and casseroles were quite popular due to their convenience and versatility.

Components:
Here are the key components of Asparagus Casserole:

Fresh asparagus spears: The star of the dish, asparagus adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, earthy flavor.
Creamy sauce: Typically made with a mixture of condensed soup (like cream of mushroom or cream of chicken), mayonnaise, and cheese. This sauce gives the dish a rich and creamy texture.
Topping: A crunchy topping, often made with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, adds a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.

Steps to Prepare Asparagus Casserole:
Here’s a basic recipe for making Asparagus Casserole in a crockpot:

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Steam or blanch the asparagus briefly to soften it. You can also use it fresh if you prefer a crunchier texture.
In a bowl, combine the condensed soup, mayonnaise, and grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
In your crockpot, layer half of the asparagus.
Pour half of the creamy mixture over the asparagus.
Repeat the layers with the remaining asparagus and creamy mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the asparagus and sauce layers.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours until the asparagus is tender.

Total Time:

Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours in the crockpot

This dish is simple to prepare and allows you to enjoy the wonderful taste of asparagus in a creamy, comforting casserole. 🍽️🌱

🥦 Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asparagus Casserole:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: Approximately 280 calories
Total Fat: About 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: About 7 grams
Cholesterol: Around 25 milligrams
Sodium: Roughly 500 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 20 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Around 3 grams
- Sugars: About 3 grams
Protein: Approximately 7 grams
Vitamin A: About 15% of the daily recommended intake
Vitamin C: Around 20% of the daily recommended intake
Calcium: Approximately 15% of the daily recommended intake
Iron: About 10% of the daily recommended intake

Health Information:

Asparagus is a healthy addition to your diet as it is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, making it beneficial for digestive health.
Creamy sauce in this casserole provides creaminess but is also high in fat and sodium. To make this dish healthier, consider using low-fat or reduced-sodium soup and mayonnaise.
Cheese contributes to the dish’s protein and calcium content but is also high in saturated fat and calories. Opt for reduced-fat cheese if you want to reduce the fat content.
Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful crunch but is often high in saturated fat and sodium. You can consider using whole-grain crackers for a healthier alternative.
Asparagus itself is a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A and C, which are essential for immune system support and maintaining healthy skin and vision.
The dish is relatively low in protein, so if you’re looking to increase protein intake, consider adding a lean protein source like grilled chicken or tofu.
Keep in mind that the nutritional content can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and the portion size.

While Asparagus Casserole can be a delicious side dish, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and ingredient choices to make it a healthier option.

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