This cheesy asparagus casserole is a delicious, comforting side dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or holiday gathering. Tender asparagus spears are baked to perfection with a crispy parmesan breadcrumb topping for the ultimate crunch. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!
We love serving side dish casseroles with entrees like our bare chicken tenderloins, brined pork chops, grilled bone in ribeye, carbone spicy rigatoni, or Blackstone griddle steak.
This cheesy asparagus casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a warm, bubbly, and crispy-topped asparagus casserole that pairs perfectly with any meal.
If you love old fashioned asparagus casserole, this version adds a delicious twist by incorporating parmesan cheese for richness and a touch of maple syrup to enhance the natural sweetness of the asparagus. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it as a special addition for Christmas dinner, this easy recipe is sure to impress.
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Why We Love This Old Fashioned Asparagus Casserole
- Quick and easy side dish.
This cheesy casserole only takes a few minutes to prep and cook, making it the perfect weeknight. - Great for kids!
Get their healthy veggies in with asparagus coated in deliciously crunchy parmesan cheese. - Perfect vegetarian lunch.
Looking for a light lunch without meat? This recipe is a great option.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Fresh Asparagus: look for asparagus spears between 1/2 and 3/4 inches in diameter.
- Parmesan Cheese: freshly grated parmesan cheese is best, but you can also buy it pre-shredded from the store.
- Breadcrumbs: panko breadcrumbs have the best texture and are perfect for this dish.
- Butter: unsalted, melted butter gives this spring vegetable side dish a buttery, rich flavor.
- Egg white: allows the ingredients to bind together and helps brown the top of the baked asparagus.
- Maple syrup: this adds sweetness to the dish.
Recipe Variations
- Crunchy topping upgrade: Swap the classic breadcrumb topping for crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
- Add protein: Make it heartier by adding cooked bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham for a protein-packed dish.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a touch of heat.
- Low-carb option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
- Different cheeses: Swap parmesan for cheddar, gouda, or gruyère for a bolder, cheesier flavor.
- Make it a one-dish meal: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to add extra veggies and make it a complete dish.
Equipment Used in this Recipe
- 13″ x 9″ casserole dish
- Dinner plate (or shallow bowl)
- Basting brush
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Keep your asparagus fresh.
To keep your asparagus fresh and tender, store the stalks upright (woody ends down) in a tall glass or jar with 1 inch of water in the bottom for 1-2 days. Cover with plastic wrap.
How to Make Cheesy Asparagus Casserole Recipe
- Cut off the ends of the asparagus.
To begin, lay the asparagus flat on a cutting board and align the tips of the spears. Use a chef’s knife to cut off the bottom inch of the woody ends straight across.
This part is woody and hard to chew, so cutting it off ensures each bite is tender.
- Poke holes in the asparagus with a fork.
Next, use a fork to poke holes in the stalks, allowing steam to escape, so they cook more quickly.
- Whisk the egg white and maple syrup in a separate bowl.
Whisk together the egg whites and maple syrup in a separate bowl using a fork. This will allow all the ingredients to be evenly mixed before brushing on top of the dish.
- Lay the asparagus neatly in a casserole or baking dish and bake.
Next, spread the asparagus in the dish with the stalks all facing the same direction for a beautiful presentation.
Brush the egg wash over the top, sprinkle with the parmesan cheese, and then bake until the asparagus gratin is perfectly cooked and golden brown on top.
Serving Suggestions
This old fashioned asparagus casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside grilled beef or baked salmon for a hearty and satisfying dinner. For a comforting meal, pair it with cream of mushroom soup and a side of roasted potatoes with garlic and paprika. If you love cheesy goodness, use cheddar or mozzarella cheese to make cheese sauce and mix in a little cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
For appetizers, prepare deviled eggs or crispy French-fried onions, which add the perfect crunch before enjoying this dish. This cheesy asparagus casserole is also a great addition to holiday meals, making it an ideal side for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter potlucks. No matter how you serve it, this classic dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Recipe FAQs
If it is mushy, it’s probably because it was overcooked. You can check to see when the asparagus is perfectly cooked by poking a fork through the stem. It should have a slight resistance but easily pierce all the way through.
Want that beautiful golden brown crusty cheese on top? No problem! Just pop it directly under the broiler right before removing the dish from the oven. However, be vigilant as it can quickly burn, usually within a minute or two.
This baked recipe is packed with flavors, thanks to the parmesan cheese and maple syrup. There is not a bland spear in sight!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
We don’t recommend freezing cooked asparagus as it becomes mushy and stringy when reheated.
More Delicious Sides To Try…
If you tried this asparagus casserole recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Parmesan Asparagus Casserole
Equipment
- 13″ x 9″ casserole dish
- dinner plate (or shallow bowl)
- basting brush
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 2 pounds thick asparagus trimmed; see notes below
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups parmesan cheese grated; 3 ounces
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Optional
- sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450ºF. Spray the casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Use a fork to poke holes in the asparagus spears (the tough, woody portion) to help tenderize them during baking. Rinse well and then lightly sprinkle with salt and let sit while you prepare the topping.
- In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup of parmesan, panko bread crumbs, and melted butter (set the other 1/2 cup of parmesan aside).
- Use a small bowl and fork to whip the egg whites and maple syrup until frothy.
- Add asparagus to the baking pan. About half should fit in a single layer. Brush with egg whites and maple syrup, then sprinkle with half of the panko topping. Add the rest of the spears on top and repeat the process with the rest of the egg white mixture and remaining panko mix.
- Bake for 6-7 minutes, until light golden on top. Sprinkle on the last 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and bake another 6-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the panko is golden brown. To check for doneness, use a paring knife to pierce a spear – if it goes in easily, the casserole is done.
- Top with sprigs of fresh thyme (optional).
Notes
- Crunchy topping upgrade: Swap the classic breadcrumb topping for crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
- Add protein: Make it heartier by adding cooked bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham for a protein-packed dish.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a touch of heat.
- Low-carb option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
- Different cheeses: Swap parmesan for cheddar, gouda, or gruyère for a bolder, cheesier flavor.
- Make it a one-dish meal: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to add extra veggies and make it a complete dish.
- Store leftover baked parmesan asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
We don’t recommend freezing cooked asparagus as it becomes mushy and stringy when reheated.
Nutrition
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justine says
Was a hit even with the kids, will make again.
Sue says
That crunchy topping with the tender asparagus looks amazing!
Dina and Bruce says
Wow! What a simple recipe that is so tasty and impressive! Thank you!!!
Lima Ekram says
This was such a delicious dish! So quick and easy. The tips were particularly helpful.