Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Recipe Intensity: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces to the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes. Drain the asparagus and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
3. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture in the skillet. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux.
5. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
8. Add the blanched asparagus to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the asparagus with the sauce.
9. Transfer the cheesy asparagus mixture to the greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole to create a crispy topping.
11. Bake the Cheesy Asparagus Casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
12. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
13. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm as a delicious side dish or light main course.

Note: You can customize this casserole by adding cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor. You can also use different types of cheese or a combination of cheeses according to your taste preferences.