This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a delicious and easy side dish perfect for any meal. It’s low-carb, creamy, and packed with flavor, featuring tender asparagus baked in a rich garlic cream cheese sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, Asiago, and parmesan cheese. Whether served for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) asparagus, woody ends removed
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (125ml) broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef)
• 8oz (225g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheese of your choice (mozzarella and asiago recommended)
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced (or 1-2 tablespoons garlic powder)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the asparagus: Arrange asparagus in the baking dish and top with sliced onions, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red chili pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Make the cream sauce: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese and broth until smooth. Spread the mixture over the asparagus. Sprinkle with extra seasoning if desired.
4. Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella/Asiago cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and the asparagus is just tender.
6. Broil for a crispy top: In the last 2 minutes, switch the oven to broil to crisp up the cheese topping.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tip: If you prefer softer asparagus, blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes before baking, especially if using thicker stalks.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg

This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for low-carb and keto-friendly diets. A simple yet elegant side dish to complement any meal! 🧀🥦✨

A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dish

What sets Cheesy Asparagus Casserole apart from typical vegetable dishes is its creamy texture and savory flavor profile. At the heart of the dish is a rich and velvety garlic cream cheese sauce, which envelops the asparagus and onions, adding a comforting base. The cream cheese acts as the perfect binder, ensuring that each piece of asparagus is coated in a luscious sauce that’s both rich and satisfying without being overly heavy. The garlic adds depth to the dish, infusing every bite with its aromatic flavor.

But the real magic happens when the asparagus is topped with a medley of cheeses: mozzarella, Asiago, and parmesan. As the casserole bakes, these cheeses melt and meld together, creating a gooey, golden topping that adds both texture and flavor. The combination of cheeses ensures that the casserole is both creamy and slightly tangy, complementing the natural taste of the asparagus perfectly. The crispiness that comes from broiling the cheese in the final minutes of baking makes for an irresistible contrast against the tender, perfectly cooked asparagus.

Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly, and Nutritious

Not only is Cheesy Asparagus Casserole rich and indulgent in flavor, but it is also a low-carb and keto-friendly option, making it suitable for a variety of diets. The dish is naturally free of grains and flour, relying on the goodness of fresh asparagus and cheese as its main components. This makes it a great choice for anyone following a low-carb or keto eating plan, as well as for those who simply want to enjoy a healthier side dish without compromising on flavor.

The asparagus itself is a nutrient-dense vegetable that’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, folate, and vitamin C. It’s also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after your meal. Combined with the protein and fat from the cheese, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole offers a balanced, nutrient-packed dish that is both filling and nourishing.

Simple Yet Elegant for Any Occasion

One of the reasons Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is such a great dish for any occasion is its simplicity and elegance. It’s a dish that can be prepared with minimal effort, but its flavors and presentation make it feel special. The asparagus spears are arranged neatly in the baking dish, and the rich cream cheese sauce is spread evenly over them, creating a uniform, smooth coating. The sprinkle of cheeses on top creates an appealing, golden crust, which is then beautifully garnished with fresh parsley just before serving.

For holiday meals or special occasions, this casserole is sure to wow your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen. It can be served alongside a roast chicken, turkey, or grilled meats, making it a versatile side that complements a wide range of main dishes. The beauty of this casserole lies in its balance of flavors: it’s rich and cheesy, but still light enough to pair with any entrée without overpowering it.

Customizing Your Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

While the base recipe for Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can easily experiment with different cheese combinations or add more herbs and spices to adjust the flavor profile. For instance, you could add garlic powder or onion powder to the cream sauce for additional seasoning, or sprinkle fresh thyme or oregano over the top for a Mediterranean twist.

If you want to add more texture and nutrition, you could add sautéed mushrooms or even chopped spinach to the casserole before baking. If you’re a fan of a bit of heat, you can sprinkle red chili flakes over the top or mix some into the cream sauce for an added kick. The creamy base is highly adaptable, so feel free to adjust the seasonings or add extra vegetables to suit your preferences.

For those following a dairy-free or vegan diet, you can substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives. There are many excellent dairy-free mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese options available that will give the casserole a similar creamy texture and rich flavor. You can also try swapping the cream cheese for cashew cream or coconut milk to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Another great feature of Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is how easy it is to make ahead. If you’re planning for a busy holiday or a weeknight dinner, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve it, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the casserole is cold from the fridge.

Leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making this casserole a great option for meal prep. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave or in the oven, so you can enjoy it the next day as part of another meal. The casserole can even be frozen for longer storage—just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and storing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it in the oven until heated through.

Conclusion: A Perfect Side Dish for Any Meal

In conclusion, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a simple yet elegant side dish that elevates any meal. With its creamy, garlicky base and melty cheese topping, this casserole is a comforting and delicious way to enjoy asparagus. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a holiday feast, a weeknight dinner, or as part of a meal prep plan, it’s a dish that will always satisfy.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility and adaptability. You can customize it to suit your preferences, add extra vegetables or spices, and easily adjust it to fit dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s a make-ahead friendly recipe, saving you time in the kitchen without compromising on flavor. Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is the kind of dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds—and possibly even the recipe!