CHEESY ASPARAGUS CASSEROLE

A casserole that is really simple to make and is high in nutritional value, just requiring a few steps to put it. This is the ideal side dish for Thanksgiving, Easter, or any other dinner that calls for a delicious low-carb option.

This is not only the finest asparagus casserole that has ever been made, but I would also dare to say that it is the best Thanksgiving side dish that has ever been made. It walks the right line between being “very traditional” and “a bit modernized,” and we would like to use this opportunity to pay our respects to the Gods of Thanksgiving casseroles. Both they and we are in love with one another.

The fact that we put the asparagus in the oven in its raw state ensures that it will cook and become more tender in the oven without turning brown or becoming mushy, which is something we definitely do not want.

Ingredients:

Fresh asparagus; I used 2 bunches.
1 Tbsp.Of butter.
Cream cheese; you’ll need 1/2 ounce softened.
1/2 Cup.Of heavy whipping cream.
1 Tbsp.Of chicken broth.
1/4 Tsp.Of Italian seasoning.
1/2 Tsp.Of garlic powder.
1/4 Tsp.Of paprika.
1/8 Tsp.Of salt.
1/8 Tsp.Of pepper.
1/3 Cup.Of grated parmesan cheese.
« Pepper Jack cheese », shredded (use as much as you want).
1/2 Tsp.Of red pepper flakes.
1/3 Cup.Of crumbled bacon.

Preparation:

1st Step – To start, turn the temperature in the oven up to 400 degrees. – After giving the asparagus a quick rinse and trim, lay it in a baking dish measuring 9 by 13 inches that have been greased.

2nd Step – In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is combined. Maintain a consistent stirring motion until all of the ingredients are well combined.

3rd Step – Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium to medium-low heat, and continue to cook it until the heavy whipping cream has decreased and the sauce has thickened.

4th Step – Continue the whisking movement until the mixture no longer sticks to the bottom of the pan. A few minutes are going to be needed for the sauce to decrease and thicken. After the mixture has reached the desired consistency, add the grated Parmesan and pepper jack cheeses and continue to whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

5th Step – The cheese sauce should be poured over the asparagus that is located in the center of the dish. The tips of the asparagus should be avoided.

6th Step – After that, crumbled dried red pepper flakes and mozzarella cheese and sprinkle them over the cheese sauce.

7th Step – Bake for around 15 minutes. You may lower the baking time by two to three minutes if you want your asparagus to have a crunchier texture.

8th Step – After removing from the oven, sprinkle the top with bacon crumbs. And continue baking for the last three minutes, and then enjoy!