Description
Creamy asparagus gratin brings Mediterranean charm to your dinner table with its rich, golden-brown topping. Crisp asparagus spears nestled under melted cheese create a simple yet elegant side dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesy Asparagus Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
- 1 cup cream (heavy or light)
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Calibrate the oven temperature precisely to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the asparagus.
- Arrange asparagus spears in a single, uniform layer within a baking dish, maximizing even heat distribution.
- Craft a luxurious cream mixture by whisking together cream, finely minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until thoroughly integrated.
- Cascade the cream mixture methodically over the asparagus, guaranteeing complete and consistent coverage of each spear.
- Lavishly distribute shredded cheese across the surface, creating a rich, melty blanket that will transform the vegetable.
- Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese, introducing a sharp, nutty dimension to the dish.
- Transfer the prepared baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing 25-30 minutes of roasting until the cheese transforms into a golden, effervescent crust.
- Extract the dish carefully, permitting a brief cooling period to stabilize the molten cheese and intense flavors.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or thyme, adding a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before serving this decadent side dish.
Notes
- Choose tender, fresh asparagus with bright green color and firm stalks for the best texture and flavor.
- Trim woody ends carefully by snapping or cutting to ensure only the most delicate part is used in the dish.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, mozzarella, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles.
- Make this dish low-carb and keto-friendly by using heavy cream and full-fat cheeses without modifications.
- Adjust baking time based on asparagus thickness – thinner spears need less time to prevent overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Add protein by sprinkling crispy bacon bits or sliced almonds on top for extra crunch and flavor dimension.
- Create a dairy-free version using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of traditional dairy products.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 514 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg