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Asparagus Casserole

Side Dish 🥗 American Low-CarbLow-SodiumSugar-FreeVegetarian 🥦Halal 🕌Comfort-FoodPescatarian 🐟

Asparagus Casserole layers tender spears with a Havarti-infused sauce brightened by lemon zest, then finishes with a buttery cracker and almond topping for crunch. The contrast of creamy, cheesy richness and toasty, nutty crumbs makes it a standout side for spring dinners, holidays, or any roast-centric gathering.

  • Prep20 mins
  • Cook30 mins
  • Serves6
  • DifficultyEasy
Asparagus Casserole
  1. 1

    Assemble all the ingredients.

  2. 2

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Trim the asparagus to fit crosswise in the baking dish and arrange it in an even layer in the dish. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly to incorporate thoroughly, until it smells slightly nutty, about 2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Whisk in the half and half and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

  6. 6

    Remove from the heat and whisk in the Havarti cheese, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon salt.

  7. 7

    Pour the sauce evenly over the center of the asparagus in the dish, leaving the tips and ends exposed. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

  8. 8

    Meanwhile, place the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on HIGH until just melted, about 30 seconds. Add the crackers, almonds, dill, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; toss to coat the mixture evenly in the melted butter.

  9. 9

    After the asparagus has baked for 10 minutes, sprinkle the cracker mixture over the center of the asparagus.

  10. 10

    Return to the oven and bake until the asparagus is just tender and the cracker mixture is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Serve hot.