Description
This Asparagus Cracker Casserole is a creamy, cheesy vegetable dish perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal. Tender asparagus spears are mixed with a rich homemade cheese sauce, layered with crushed buttery crackers, and baked to golden bubbly perfection. It’s a delicious way to elevate simple asparagus into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lbs asparagus, ends trimmed and chopped into 2-inch pieces
Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 15 butter crackers, such as Ritz, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Asparagus and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the chopped asparagus, mayonnaise, and grated cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux without browning.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to cook, whisking nearly constantly, until the sauce thickens and simmers gently.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Combine Sauce and Asparagus Mixture: Pour the prepared sauce into the asparagus mixture bowl and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crushed butter crackers evenly over the top for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, until the cheese mixture is bubbly and the cracker topping turns golden brown.
- Broil (Optional): If desired, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end to achieve a deeper golden color and crispier top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, crunchy asparagus casserole!
Notes
- Use fresh, firm asparagus for the best texture and flavor.
- Mayonnaise adds creaminess but can be substituted with sour cream or Greek yogurt for variation.
- Ensure to whisk the flour and butter mixture well to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Broiling at the end is optional but enhances the crispiness of the cracker topping.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and crackers with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
