Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
2 lbs fresh asparagus, trimmed of tough ends
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (choose sharp or mild)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and black pepper, to your liking
Cooking spray (for the casserole dish)
For the Crunchy Topping:
1 cup breadcrumbs (either panko or regular will do)
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Steps to a Cheesy Delight:
Blanch the Asparagus: In a large pot, boil salted water. Add the asparagus and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they turn a vibrant green. Immediately plunge them into cold water to halt the cooking. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
Preheat & Prep: Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray your 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
The Cheesy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, swirl together cheddar cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Layer it Up: Lay half of your asparagus in the casserole dish. Gently spread half of your cheese mix over them. Repeat this layering with the rest.
The Crispy Crust: In a separate bowl, meld breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan. Once mixed, sprinkle this over your asparagus and cheese layers.
Bake to Perfection: Slide your casserole into the oven. Let it bake for around 25-30 minutes or until you see a golden crust and bubbling cheese.
Rest & Serve: Once out of the oven, let your casserole sit a while. This dish shines when served warm. Pair it with roasted meat, grilled chicken, or let it star on its own for vegetarians. One bite, and the creamy asparagus intertwined with the crispy topping will have you hooked!
