Cheesy Baked Asparagus
A savory side dish featuring tender asparagus baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a crispy onion topping. This rich, comforting recipe makes an excellent accompaniment to any main course.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup French fried onions
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 2-3 lbs asparagus trimmed at the ends
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese or substitute with Gruyère or Monterey Jack
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 13×9 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Lay the asparagus spears evenly in the prepared dish, allowing for some overlap. Season them with black pepper, salt, and, if using, red pepper flakes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, onion powder, and 1/3 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth, then pour the mixture evenly over the seasoned asparagus.
- Scatter the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan and all of the mozzarella cheese across the top. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After baking, remove the dish and sprinkle the French fried onions over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the top is golden and bubbling. Extend baking time slightly if a softer texture is desired.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon over any pan sauce when plating.
Notes
Parmesan naturally contains a significant amount of salt. Consider omitting added salt based on personal preference or dietary needs.