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