Creamy Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

 A rich and comforting side dish where crisp-tender asparagus is smothered in a decadent, creamy cheese sauce, kissed with warm spices, and topped with smoky, crispy bacon.

Serves: 4-6 as a side
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 bunches asparagus (about 1.5 lbs / 680g), woody ends trimmed

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup (4 oz / 113g) full-fat cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream

• 1 tbsp chicken broth or stock

• ⅓ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese

• ⅛ cup (about 15g) shredded Pepper Jack cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)

• ⅛ tsp black pepper

• ⅛ tsp fine sea salt

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Topping:

• ⅓ cup (about 3-4 slices) cooked bacon, crumbled

For Assembly:

• Butter or non-stick spray, for greasing

Instructions

1. Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish. Arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer in the dish.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, whisking often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan and shredded Pepper Jack cheese until completely melted and the sauce is creamy.

3. Assemble

Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the asparagus, using a spoon or spatula to coat the stalks while leaving the delicate tips exposed, if desired. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes evenly over the top.

4. Bake

Transfer to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender to your liking and the sauce is bubbly.

5. Add Topping & Finish

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 2-3 more minutes to warm the bacon through.

6. Serve

Let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes before serving warm.

Chef's Notes

• Asparagus Texture: For al dente asparagus, bake for 12 minutes. For very tender asparagus, bake for the full 15 minutes.

• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese, thin it with a tablespoon of warm broth or cream.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese sauce and trim the asparagus up to a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.

• Variations: Substitute Gruyère for Pepper Jack for a more nutty flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.

Enjoy this luxurious, crowd-pleasing side dish with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or as the star of a holiday meal.