Description
Creamy asparagus casserole brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with layers of tender vegetables and rich cheese sauce. Comfort meets elegance in this classic side dish that promises to delight you with its hearty, homestyle flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh asparagus
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup (50 grams) French fried onions
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Liquid Components:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring it’s fully warmed before cooking.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully submerge asparagus pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes until they reach a tender-crisp texture. Immediately drain and set aside.
- Create a smooth sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Fold the blanched asparagus, cheddar cheese, and French fried onions into the creamy sauce, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the combined ingredients into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading the mixture uniformly to promote even cooking.
- Generously top the casserole with additional cheddar cheese and French fried onions, creating a crispy and golden exterior.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a bubbling texture and a rich golden-brown top that indicates perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, which helps set the creamy texture and makes serving easier. Enjoy the aromatic and delectable dish while warm.
Notes
- Blanching Boost: Quickly shock asparagus in ice water after boiling to lock in vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Swap cream of mushroom soup and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and cashew cream for lactose-intolerant guests.
- Crunch Control: Toast additional breadcrumbs or nuts for extra texture if French fried onions aren’t available or preferred.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace French fried onions with crushed pork rinds or almond flour crumbs to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg