Zesty Asparagus Casserole with Ritz Topping Recipe for Spring

Crafting a delectable asparagus casserole with ritz topping brings comfort and creativity to your dinner table.

Crispy crackers add a delightful crunch that complements the tender green vegetable perfectly.

Fresh ingredients transform this classic side dish into something truly special.

Home cooks adore simple recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Creamy cheese sauce binds the ingredients together, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Seasonal asparagus shines in this crowd-pleasing dish that promises to impress everyone at the table.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible casserole.

Why Asparagus Casserole With Ritz Topping Is A Crowd Pleaser

• Blast Through Prep: Super simple steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned chefs.
• Transform Ordinary Vegetables: Creamy, cheesy sauce and crunchy Ritz cracker topping turn basic asparagus into an irresistible comfort food that even veggie-skeptics will love.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a hearty side dish that complements multiple main courses without overwhelming the meal.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking technique mean you can deliver a delicious, satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Must-Have Ingredients For Asparagus Casserole With Ritz Topping

• Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable that provides the core flavor and texture of the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and tanginess to the casserole mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a delicious savory flavor.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Smooth sauce that helps bind the ingredients and adds depth of flavor.
• Milk: Liquid ingredient that helps create a smooth and creamy consistency.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Ritz Crackers, Butter: Crunchy topping that provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Bacon or Ham: Optional protein that adds extra savory notes to the topping.

Quick How-To For Asparagus Casserole With Ritz Topping

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F. Get it nice and toasty before your casserole arrives.

Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in your asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Quickly transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Marry the Asparagus and Cream

Fold the blanched asparagus into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece gets a luxurious coating.

Step 5: Build the Casserole Foundation

Transfer the asparagus and cream mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Spread evenly to create a delightful base.

Step 6: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter
• Chopped bacon or ham (optional)

Stir until crackers are completely butter-kissed.

Step 7: Crown the Casserole

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture generously over the asparagus, creating a golden blanket of crunchiness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and edges start bubbling.

Step 9: Serve with Excitement

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation!

Helpful Pointers For Asparagus Casserole With Ritz Topping

• Blanch with Precision: Stop cooking asparagus instantly in ice water to maintain vibrant green color and crisp texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add crispy bacon or ham to the Ritz cracker topping for extra savory notes and protein boost.
• Cheese Flexibility: Swap cheddar with gruyere or monterey jack for unique taste variations and creamy consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed corn flakes to accommodate dietary needs.
• Temperature Control: Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow mixture to set and prevent runny consistency.

New Takes On Asparagus Casserole With Ritz Topping

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon or ham with sautéed mushrooms or crispy tofu crumbles for a plant-based protein boost.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a crunchy topping that everyone can enjoy.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with homemade cauliflower cream sauce and use almond flour instead of crackers to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream, dairy-free cheese, and olive oil in place of butter to create a lactose-free version of the casserole.

Best Pairings For Asparagus Casserole With Ritz Topping

• Pair Perfectly Chardonnay Elegance: Select a buttery California Chardonnay that complements the creamy casserole texture, highlighting the cheese and sour cream richness while balancing the asparagus earthiness.
• Complement with Crisp Salad Sidekick: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness, adding freshness and providing a zesty contrast to the creamy dish.
• Match Protein Powerhouse: Serve alongside roasted chicken breast or grilled salmon, which will enhance the asparagus flavors and provide a lean protein component that balances the casserole's creamy consistency.

Storing Tips For Asparagus Casserole With Ritz Topping

• Transfer leftovers to a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is clean and completely sealed to maintain quality.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in a freezer-safe dish. Frozen casserole will last up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to restore cracker topping's crispiness.

All Your Asparagus Casserole With Ritz Topping FAQs

• Why blanch the asparagus before adding to the casserole?

Blanching helps preserve the asparagus’s bright green color, stops the cooking process, and maintains its crisp texture. It also helps remove any potential bitterness and ensures the vegetable is partially cooked before baking.

• Can I use fresh or frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Fresh asparagus is recommended for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen asparagus, thaw and drain it completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• How do I know if the asparagus is cooked correctly during blanching?

Blanch the asparagus for 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and becomes slightly tender. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture.

Asparagus Casserole with Ritz Topping Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy asparagus casserole with ritz cracker topping brings Southern comfort to your dinner table. Cheesy, crispy layers combine classic ingredients for a hearty side dish you’ll crave at every family gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon or ham (optional)

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a perfect environment for your culinary creation.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot, then quickly blanch asparagus for 2-3 minutes until vibrant and crisp.
3. Shock the asparagus in ice water to halt cooking, preserving its bright green color and tender texture.
4. Create a creamy base by whisking sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Gently fold blanched asparagus into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
6. Transfer the asparagus mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. Prepare the crunchy topping by combining crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and optional chopped bacon or ham.
8. Distribute the buttery cracker mixture generously over the asparagus, creating a golden, crispy coating.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a rich golden brown and the edges bubble with delicious promise.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then serve this comforting, flavor-packed dish to eager diners.

Notes

• Blanching Technique: Quickly cook asparagus in boiling water and immediately cool in ice water to preserve vibrant green color and crisp texture.
• Customizable Protein: Add crispy bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken to boost protein content and create a more substantial main dish.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese to make the casserole suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg