Asparagus Casserole in a creamy Alfredo sauce topped with crisp cheesy bread crumbs. This asparagus bake is an easy and impressive side dish.

We love roasted asparagus and asparagus recipes in general like our popular baked asparagus with parmesan or this Shrimp Scampi Pasta.

Asparagus casserole in baking dish with creamy cheesy topping

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Asparagus Casserole Recipe:

Spring is in the air which means asparagus is plentiful in grocery stores! Read on to learn how to select the best quality fresh asparagus for this casserole.

This is a holiday worthy asparagus casserole (think Easter!) and comes together quickly. Watch everyone’s eyes light up when they see you pull this beauty out of the oven. This asparagus bake is irresistibly good served with creamy mashed potatoes and beef tenderloin or prime rib.

Finished asparagus casserole recipe with crisp bread crumb topping

Is Asparagus Better Thick or Thin?

Thin Asparagus generally come from a younger asparagus crown (root bed). Skinny asparagus cooks faster so it’s a great option for stir frying.

Thick asparagus comes from an older asparagus crown. Since it takes longer to cook, it tends to be better for high heat cooking (broiling and roasting).

Ultimately, size is not important. Both thin and thick asparagus will work in this recipe. They taste the same and are equally sweet and tender. Be sure to adjust the timing as skinny asparagus will bake faster and big asparagus spears will take longer to reach desired tenderness.

Ingredients for asparagus casserole with thick and thin asparagus, half and half, cheese, bread crumbs, butter and flour

How to Select Asparagus:

Size doesn’t matter when it comes to selecting asparagus, but freshness is importance. The signs of freshly pickled asparagus are:

  • Tops that are tightly closed (not open or fraying)
  • Bottoms that look moist and plump (not too dry or shriveled)

How to Trim Asparagus:

There are several methods for trimming asparagus. You can either peel the ends with a potato peeler or snap off the ends. For two pounds of asparagus, the easiest way (our preferred method), is to snap off the ends. Hold the bottom third of the spear with both hands and bend. It will naturally snap where the fibrous portion ends and the tender part begins.

How to select and trim asparagus by snapping off the ends

Is Asparagus Healthy to Eat?

Asparagus is impressively good for you! It is known for its high folic acid, potassium, fiber, thiamine, B Vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin K content. Adding to the list of asparagus health benefits, it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.*

How to Make Asparagus Casserole:

  1. Butter a 9×13 casserole and arrange trimmed asparagus, packing it so the surface is level.
  2. Make the Sauce: melt 3 Tbsp butter in a saucepan and add 2 1/2 Tbsp flour, whisking until golden. Add 2 cups half and half, 2 tsp garlic salt and 1/4 tsp pepper and whisk until starting to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup parmesan.
  3. Pour sauce over casserole and bake at 400˚F for 15-18 min.
  4. Meanwhile, make the topping: stir together 1 Tbsp melted butter with 1/2 cup bread crumbs then stir in 1/2 cup parmesan. Halfway through baking, sprinkle on the topping.
  5. Broil 2-3 minutes at the end until topping is crisp and golden.

Step by step photos how to make asparagus casserole, sauce and crisp cheesy topping

Our Best Asparagus Recipes:

Baked Asparagus Casserole

Watch Natasha Make this Asparagus Casserole:

This really is such an easy recipe! I hope this asparagus casserole becomes a new favorite for you.

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Asparagus Casserole

4.99 from 122 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Asparagus Casserole bake on kitchen towel
Asparagus Casserole in a creamy Alfredo sauce topped with crisp cheesy bread crumbs. This asparagus bake is easy and impressive.
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 as a side dish
  • 2 lbs asparagus, trimmed
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided, plus more to grease casserole
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups half and half, (or equal parts milk and heavy cream)
  • 2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven to 400˚F with the rack in the center. Butter a 9x13 casserole dish. Arrange trimmed asparagus in prepared casserole dish, packing it down for a fairly flat and even surface.
  • Place a saucepan over medium heat. Melt in 3 Tbsp butter then add 2 1/2 Tbsp flour and whisk constantly for 3 minutes or until butter just starts to turn golden in color. Whisk in 2 cups half and half, 2 tsp garlic salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until sauce just starts to thicken then remove from heat. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup parmesan and whisk until cheese is melted and incorporated.
  • Pour sauce evenly over the asparagus, leaving about 1" space on the long sides of the casserole dish. Bake uncovered at 400˚F for 15-18 minutes (depending on thickness of asparagus), or until asparagus reaches desired tenderness.
  • While the casserole is baking, make the topping: in a small mixing bowl, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Mix in 1/2 cup bread crumbs, stirring until evenly moistened, then stir in 1/2 cup remaining parmesan cheese. Halfway through baking, sprinkle the bread crumb topping evenly over the casserole then return it to the oven to finish baking.
  • When asparagus has reached desired doneness, set oven to broil for 2-3 minutes or until bread crumbs are golden brown. Remove from oven and serve.

Nutrition Per Serving

208kcal Calories11g Carbs7g Protein15g Fat9g Saturated Fat48mg Cholesterol827mg Sodium330mg Potassium2g Fiber2g Sugar1325IU Vitamin A6.9mg Vitamin C238mg Calcium2.9mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Asparagus Casserole
Amount per Serving
Calories
208
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15
g
23
%
Saturated Fat
 
9
g
56
%
Cholesterol
 
48
mg
16
%
Sodium
 
827
mg
36
%
Potassium
 
330
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
11
g
4
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
1325
IU
27
%
Vitamin C
 
6.9
mg
8
%
Calcium
 
238
mg
24
%
Iron
 
2.9
mg
16
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: asparagus casserole
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 208
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

*Asparagus Nutrition and health benefits sourced from draxe.com

 

4.99 from 122 votes (88 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Cindy
    December 7, 2020

    I have ordered the white staub casserole dish twice now from Amazon according to your post. Both times it came shattered in pieces. Any other ideas where I can get it?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 8, 2020

      Hi Cindy, that is such a bummer – I wonder if it’s being shipped directly from Staub or another supplier who isn’t packaging it well.

      Reply

  • Johanna Ortiz
    November 26, 2020

    I made this alfredo sauce last night for dinner and it was the BEST alfredo sauce I have ever had – better than any restaurant. And super easy to make. It was my 1st time making a rue. You are amazing Natasha!!! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 26, 2020

      Hello Johanna, that is so heartwarming. Thank you so much for your nice words and good feedback!

      Reply

      • Inessa
        December 23, 2020

        Hi. Could I possibly remake the sauce ahead of time and then add it to asparagus before baking?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          December 23, 2020

          Hi Inessa, I haven’t tried it that way but the sauce might get a little thick. You might warm up the sauce so it pours over the asparagus easier before putting it into the oven.

          Reply

  • Farrah King
    October 21, 2020

    Hi Natasha! I love watching all your videos on Facebook and learning your quick and easy cooking techniques. Can you tell me the brand of this 9×13 casserole dish? It’s not the Staub one listed on your Amazon link. The handles are different, which is what I love about this one. It has arched and wide handles.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 23, 2020

      Hi, the white casserole dish that I have photographed above is only available at Fred Meyer as far as I have found. I am not able to find it online to link to it.

      Reply

      • Gladys N Partamian
        March 2, 2021

        Just love your receipes and the white casserole dish with handles Can you provide the Fred Meyer website as I can find it. Thank you..

        Reply

        • Natasha
          March 3, 2021

          Hi Gladys, I haven’t been able to locate it online on their site. It was only in-store. I have a similar one in our Amazon shop.

          Reply

  • Dot B
    October 12, 2020

    This is the best asparagus I have ever eaten! Didn’t change a thing. I will be using this recipe for the holidays.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 12, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Tristan
    September 29, 2020

    Can we use regular bread crumbs if we don’t have Panko?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 29, 2020

      Hi Tristan, we love this with panko crumbs but have not tried it with regular bread crumbs to advise.

      Reply

  • Patricia Callender
    September 23, 2020

    Can you use Brussel sprouts instead of asparagus in this recipe?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 23, 2020

      Hi Patricia, I haven’t tried that yet to advise. If you do an experiment, please share it with us if you liked it with Brussel sprouts!

      Reply

    • Diane J Czir
      November 9, 2020

      I use this on cauliflower but I steam my cauliflower first until slightly then do the same thing

      Reply

      • Priscilla
        December 16, 2021

        I am thinking of making this for Christmas dinner, but will travel. Would this hold up well if I put it together- not cooking it- then put it in my daughter’s oven later on?
        Love your videos and recipes btw.

        Reply

        • Natasha
          December 17, 2021

          Hi Priscilla, I haven’t tested this ahead of time, but I would probably keep the asparagus and sauce separate until ready to combine and bake. You might need to rewarm the sauce a little bit or it may get a little too thick in the fridge.

          Reply

  • Ted Olshefski
    August 4, 2020

    Great recipe !! We made it keto-friendly by subbing pork rinds for the panko and almond flour instead of regular flour. Should get it under 5 carbs per serving.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 4, 2020

      That’s just awesome! Thank you so much for sharing that with me! I love that you made this keto-friendly!

      Reply

    • Susan
      September 26, 2020

      Absolutely delicious Natasha! I so appreciate you.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        September 27, 2020

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply

    • Susan
      September 26, 2020

      Does almond flour thicken sauces? Just wondering because I use it more like breading for chicken and fish. My first thought would be to skip the alond flour as a thickener and just use heavy cream instead of whole milk and adjust the cheese. Ymmv.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        September 27, 2020

        Hi Susan, almond flour can be used as a thickener, so just add a small amount at a time.

        Reply

  • John
    July 9, 2020

    add sausage and mushrooms to the casserole boy what a meal and good for breakfast with eggs

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 9, 2020

      That sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Dawne Ward
    June 22, 2020

    Made this for Father’s Day dinner. I took it to my sister’s house, refrigerated it and baked it later that day after it came back to room temperature. I saved out the crumb topping to add half way thru the baking. It was pretty on the buffet table, super yummy and everyone asked for the recipe. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 22, 2020

      You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe Dawne!

      Reply

  • Belinda
    June 22, 2020

    I loved this recipe as did everyone who ate it! Enjoy your presentation and wit in your videos. Looking forward to making more of your delicious recipes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 22, 2020

      That is so great! I am so glad that everyone loved this recipe.

      Reply

  • Mary Jane Golden
    March 31, 2020

    The texture of the sauce was creamy, the topping crunchy, and an appealing presentation. I did not like the garlic flavor however, and even reduced the garlic salt to 1/2 tsp. I would prefer a lemon and subtle nutmeg flavor in the sauce. Can you recommend an amount and method of adding lemon and nutmeg to the sauce to substitute for the garlic salt. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 31, 2020

      Thank you for sharing your review. I haven’t tried with nutmeg but that sounds great.

      Reply

  • Laurie Silva
    March 11, 2020

    This looks amazing, I’m going to be making it this weekend for a family dinner and I have no doubt that all will love it.

    Thank you for taking the time to do the videos and bring us wonderfully tasty recipes. We do appreciate it.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 11, 2020

      You’re welcome, Laurie! I hope you love this recipe! We look forward to your feedback!

      Reply

  • Mariana Nikolayenko
    March 11, 2020

    Wow this was amazing! We dont do a lot of asparagus and omg! My family couldn’t get enough! Thanks for this delicious recipe

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 11, 2020

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Mariana!

      Reply

  • Sarah
    February 8, 2020

    WOW! This was amazing alongside your chicken fritters. The panko breadcrumbs make it extra delicious! We will be making this again.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 9, 2020

      What a great review Sarah. I am so glad that you loved my recipes!

      Reply

  • Beverly Hogle
    December 20, 2019

    Looks and sounds Fabulous!!
    I would love to make this for Christmas, but wondering how it would do reheating. We have over an hour drive and whatever I take I will need to reheated.
    Merry Christmas!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 21, 2019

      Hi Beverly, we have enjoyed this fresh only and haven’t tested reheating that. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

    • LK
      December 21, 2019

      Looks like it cooks in about 20 minutes. Maybe you can cook it in oven when you arrive

      Reply

  • Valerie Lou Morris
    November 28, 2019

    I loved the asparagus casserole. Easy and tasty. Served it at Thanksgiving day dinner.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 28, 2019

      I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for sharing that with me. I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving!

      Reply

  • Chris
    November 24, 2019

    Can you cut up the asparagus into smaller pieces instead of the whole strand? I figured it might be good for thanksgiving so everyone can take a little bit if they want to try it.

    Reply

  • Tracey Gottfried
    November 9, 2019

    Hi can I use just whole milk. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 9, 2019

      Hi Tracey, I haven’t tried with only whole milk so I can’t say for sure, but I suspect you will have best results with something that has a little more fat (half and half or equal parts heavy cream and milk)

      Reply

  • Diana
    October 30, 2019

    I made this last night! It was good, but I should’ve used the ‘garlic salt’ as listed instead of powdered garlic. I was trying to avoid too much salt as I am more of a ‘pepper’ person. However, it really does need the little bit of salt to it. I will definitely be making this again!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 31, 2019

      Yes! We love it with the garlic salt. Thank you for sharing that with us, Diana!

      Reply

  • Linda
    October 25, 2019

    Natasha thanks for another great recipe will make this more often. Wishing you and your family a Happy holiday season

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 25, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe Linda!!

      Reply

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