Cheesy Asparagus Casserole 🌱🧀

This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a delightful and creamy dish that showcases the fresh and vibrant flavor of asparagus, perfectly complemented by a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s an excellent choice for a family dinner or as a fantastic side dish for your holiday gatherings. With its crispy topping and gooey cheese, it will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🥳

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the topping

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or any buttery cracker)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the asparagus pieces for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Quickly drain and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, sour cream, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well mixed.

🥄 Make sure not to overcook the asparagus, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This will help keep that bright green color and added crunch!

4. Gently fold the blanched asparagus into the cheese and rice mixture until evenly distributed.

5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

6. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter and additional Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.

7. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.

🍽️ For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some cooked bacon or ham to the filling. This addition adds a delightful smokiness that pairs beautifully with the cheese!

Variations

• Vegetarian: This dish is already meat-free, but you can add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture! 🍄
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers and brown rice for a deliciously gluten-free option.
• Creamy: For an even creamier casserole, add an extra layer of cream cheese to the mixture.
• Herbs: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or dill for an aromatic twist. Fresh herbs can greatly enhance the flavor profile of the dish.

Enjoy this luscious Cheesy Asparagus Casserole warm and watch it disappear from the table! 🍽️💚