Cheesy Asparagus Gratin Recipe

Cheesy Asparagus Gratin

This Cheesy Asparagus Gratin is a delicious and creamy side dish that’s perfect for spring! The combination of fresh asparagus, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy topping makes it a standout at any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Asparagus:

• Place the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
• Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until tender.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, Gruyère cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
• Stir until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Assemble:

• In a greased baking dish, arrange the roasted asparagus evenly.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

5. Prepare the Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese sauce.

6. Bake:

• Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

7. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips:

• Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Breadcrumbs: For a crunchier topping, use panko breadcrumbs or add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese sauce and assemble the dish ahead of time. Just bake it right before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Cheesy Asparagus Gratin as a tasty side dish for your favorite main courses!