Baked Parmesan Asparagus
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Picture perfectly tender asparagus in a creamy sauce topped with a buttery, crunchy parmesan topping. This is a perfect holiday side dish bursting with flavor, that everyone always loves.
This creamy asparagus with parmesan side dish is one that once you bring it to the family potluck, will be a staple that has to come every year, much like the Green Bean Casserole.
You are going to love this asparagus au gratin (maybe that’s what it should actually be called 🤷♀️) because it is easy to make, only takes a few minutes to prep and even the asparagus haters love this recipe.
How to Pick Out Asparagus
You will need some fresh asparagus for this easy cheesy asparagus dish. When you are at the market, look for asparagus spears that are standing up in water. This will help them stay more fresh and not get dried out.
- Touch the top part of the asparagus to feel if it is still soft and not crisp, dry, or brittle.
- Look for asparagus that has a thinner stem. The asparagus spears that have a thicker stem tend to be a little more woody or stringy when you eat them.
- Check all of the top stems for mushiness, sometimes the bad ones get hidden in the center of the bundle
Quick Tip
Look for asparagus that is stored in water at the market and has soft tops, not dry, brittle, or even mushy tops.
Storing Fresh Asparagus
When you get the asparagus home and you aren’t planning on using it for a few days; stand the asparagus up in a small bowl filled about halfway with water. Keep water in the bowl as it is stored in the refrigerator.
Another option is to place a wet paper towel around the ends of the asparagus, it will just need to be kept moist to keep the asparagus fresh.
Making Baked Parmesan and Asparagus
Let’s walk through the simple steps to make this asparagus recipe, it really is so simple anyone can make it.
- Prepare the Asparagus– start by washing and drying off the asparagus spears. Remove the woody ends of the asparagus by bending the bottom part of the asparagus until it breaks. Line up the rest of the bunch and slice off the ends of all of the asparagus spears.
- Make the Cream Sauce– combine the cream, half of the parmesan cheese, half of the butter, and the salt and black pepper. Pour over the asparagus in an 11 X 7 inch baking dish.
- Bake the Asparagus– at this point, bake the asparagus in the cream sauce for about 10 minutes
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping– while the asparagus and cream bake, prepare the breadcrumb topping by combining the remaining ingredients.
- Top with the Breadcrumb Topping– Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the asparagus and continue to bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are browned and the asparagus is soft when poked with a fork.
Other Asparagus Recipes to Try:
If you are a big asparagus fan like I am, you should try these other simple, tasty asparagus recipes:
- Sauteed Asparagus with Lemon– a delicious stovetop recipe that has a pop of lemon flavor
- Oven Baked Asparagus- an easy, hands-off recipe that comes out delicious every time.
- Garlic Butter Asparagus– this is a flavor match made in heaven, such a delicious side dish.
- Steak Bites with Asparagus– how about a whole meal with just steak and asparagus?
Creamy Baked Parmesan Asparagus
Ingredients
- 2 pounds asparagus ends removed
- ¾ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated and divided
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup butter melted and divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉.
- Place asparagus into an 11 x 7 inch baking dish.
- Combine cream, half of the cheese, half of the butter, salt and pepper.
- Bake the asparagus and cream mixture in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
- While the asparagus is baking, combine the breadcrumbs, remaining butter and parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the asparagus and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and the aspragus is soft.
Notes
- Nutrition facts are just an estimate
- The asparagus can be left as a whole spear or sliced into thirds
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave, but please note that cream can separate when reheated in the microwave
