This rich and savory asparagus casserole transforms fresh asparagus into a creamy, comforting dish that feels special enough for holidays yet easy enough for weeknight dinners. Baked in a smooth sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and a blend of bold cheeses, then finished with crispy bacon, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a low-carb friendly, crowd-pleasing recipe that even vegetable skeptics tend to love.
Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | 2 bunches |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Soft cream cheese | ½ ounce |
| Heavy whipping cream | ½ cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 tablespoon |
| Italian seasoning | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ⅓ cup |
| Pepper Jack cheese, shredded | ⅛ cup |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ teaspoon |
| Cooked bacon, crumbled | ⅓ cup |
How to Make Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Asparagus
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the asparagus and trim off the woody ends. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the asparagus in an even layer.
Step 2: Start the Cheese Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and fully blended.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce gently simmer, stirring frequently. Cook until it thickens slightly and releases easily from the pan, which should only take a few minutes.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Add the Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns rich and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the cheese sauce over the middle of the asparagus, leaving the tips exposed for a better texture. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the top, along with extra cheese if desired.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Bake for 15 minutes, adjusting slightly depending on how tender you like your asparagus. Remove the dish from the oven, scatter the crumbled bacon over the top, and return it to the oven for an additional 3 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy side dish while it’s at its best.
