Asparagus Casserole Recipe
Overview:
This Asparagus Casserole recipe is a delightful dish perfect for asparagus lovers. Originally sourced from the Bishop Haas/Knights Of Columbus Council 4362, it promises a creamy, flavorful experience with a crunchy cracker topping. With a total preparation time of 45 minutes, including 30 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this recipe:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 | cups margarine |
| 1/2 | lb asparagus |
| 1 | cup flour |
| 6 | eggs |
| 4 | cups milk |
| 3 | cups cheese |
| 1 1/2 | cups cracker crumbs |
| 1 | tsp salt |
| – | Pepper (to taste) |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Crumbs:
- Start by crushing the cracker crumbs in a plastic bag until they are finely ground.
- Add melted margarine to the bag, seal it, and shake well to mix thoroughly.
-
Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (approximately 230°C).
-
Prepare Asparagus:
- Drain the asparagus well to remove excess moisture.
-
Layering the Casserole:
- Spread half of the prepared cracker crumbs evenly in a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Layer sliced hard-boiled eggs over the crumbs.
- Arrange the drained asparagus spears on top of the eggs.
-
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of margarine over low heat.
- Stir in the flour until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add the cheese, salt, and pepper to the saucepan, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.
-
Assembly and Baking:
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the asparagus and egg layers in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining cracker crumbs on top.
-
Bake:
- Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12-14 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy this delicious Asparagus Casserole with your favorite side dishes or as a standalone meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 511.3 per serving
- Fat Content: 44.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 292.6mg
- Sodium Content: 541.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 14.5g
- Fiber Content: 2.4g
- Sugar Content: 2.2g
- Protein Content: 15g
Tips and Variations:
- Variation: Substitute different types of cheese for varying flavors, such as sharp cheddar, gruyere, or Swiss.
- Enhance Flavor: Add herbs like thyme or parsley to the cheese sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Serve with: Pair with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
This Asparagus Casserole recipe not only brings together the goodness of fresh asparagus but also offers a creamy, cheesy indulgence that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its straightforward instructions and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the delightful crunch of the cracker topping and the savory satisfaction of each bite! 🌿🧀
