Oh yes 😍—Cheesy Baked Asparagus Gratin is creamy, golden, and full of flavor—perfect as a side dish for dinner or brunch. Here’s a detailed recipe:
Cheesy Baked Asparagus Gratin
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or a mix)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven
- 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (~8×8-inch).
- Blanch asparagus
- Boil or steam asparagus for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain and place in the prepared baking dish.
- Make cheese sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened (~3–5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and half the shredded cheese until melted.
- Assemble gratin
- Pour cheese sauce over asparagus evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Best served warm.
💡 Tips / Variations
- Extra creamy: Fold in 2–3 tbsp cream cheese into the sauce.
- Add flavor: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika in the sauce.
- Make it lighter: Use half milk and half vegetable broth or reduce cheese slightly.
- Shortcut: Use pre-shredded cheese sauce mixes or microwave blanched asparagus to save time.
If you want, I can give a one-pan shortcut version where asparagus, cheese, and sauce bake together in under 20 minutes—minimal prep, still golden and creamy 😋.
Do you want me to give that version too?
