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A close-up of golden brown cheesy baked asparagus spears in a white serving dish, ready to eat.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus

This cheesy baked asparagus recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a tender, flavorful side dish. Asparagus is coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, topped with two cheeses and crispy french fried onions, then baked to golden perfection. It's quick, easy, and perfect for any meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 lbs asparagus (ends trimmed)
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups low moisture mozzarella cheese (or Monterey Jack or Gruyere)
  • ½ cup french fried onions

Equipment

  • 13x9-inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cheese Grater

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Rinse the asparagus spears thoroughly. Snap off the woody ends of each stalk; they will naturally break at the tender point. Arrange the trimmed asparagus evenly in the prepared baking dish. Some overlapping is fine.
  3. Season the asparagus directly in the dish with salt, black pepper, and if using, the red pepper flakes. Distribute them as evenly as possible.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream, 1/3 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, and minced garlic. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended and smooth.
  5. Carefully pour the creamy mixture evenly over the asparagus stalks in the baking dish. Ensure as much of the asparagus as possible gets coated.
  6. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese over the asparagus and cream sauce.
  7. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. The asparagus should be starting to become tender, and the cheese should be bubbly and melted.
  8. After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the french fried onions generously over the top of the melted cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the onions are golden brown. If you prefer a softer texture, you can bake for a few minutes longer.
  9. Remove the cheesy baked asparagus from the oven. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly and the sauce to thicken beautifully. Drizzle with the sauce from the bottom of the dish for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 14gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

Select firm asparagus and snap woody ends. Adjust bake time based on spear thickness. Variations include different cheeses or crumbled bacon. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days; freezing is not recommended. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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