• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Dinner Ebook! Get your copy!
  • About
  • Videos
  • Learn to Cook
  • Visit my other site: Fun Cookie Recipes

Little Sunny Kitchen

Delicious Recipes for Real Life

  • All Recipes
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Sides
    • Dinner
    • Casseroles
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Pasta
    • Soups & Chilis
    • Desserts
    • Snacks
    • Sauces & Dressings
    • Beverages
  • Holiday
    • Easter
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine’s
    • Game Day
    • Ramadan
  • Method
    • Instant Pot
    • Air Fryer
    • Slow Cooker
    • Oven
    • Casseroles
    • Stovetop
    • Grill
    • Bread Machine
  • Easy Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Air Fryer
  • Breakfast
  • Snacks
  • Copycat Recipes
  • Beef
  • Low Carb
  • Chicken
Home Recipes By Type Casseroles

Asparagus Casserole

Asparagus Casserole is a creamy veggie bake featuring fresh asparagus and mushrooms baked in a garlic cheese sauce, with a crispy topping.
5
/5 –
Rate Recipe Leave a Comment
Jump to Recipe
  • Share
By: Diana Posted: 10/8/22 Updated: 12/10/24

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

creamy cheesy asparagus casserole topped with panko bread crumbs in an enameled skillet.

Savory Asparagus Casserole is a creamy veggie side dish featuring fresh asparagus and mushrooms baked in a garlic cheese sauce. This cheesy asparagus bake is topped with crispy parmesan breadcrumbs, and everyone loves it!

creamy cheesy asparagus casserole topped with panko bread crumbs in an enameled skillet.


I’m sure you’ve had green bean casserole before, but have you tried a creamy casserole with asparagus? This asparagus casserole is similar to green bean casserole, but using asparagus instead of beans makes it a more sophisticated side dish.

Make a cheesy asparagus bake for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, or serve it at Easter when local asparagus spears abound. This decadent, creamy, savory asparagus casserole will go with just about any traditional meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Cheesy, Crispy Crumb Topping – The stuff inside the asparagus casserole is good, but the topping is divine! Panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese make the most flavorful and crispy top layer.
  2. Perfect for Holiday Dinner – You’re going to want to serve this casserole when you have guests over. They will ooh and ahh over how beautiful it looks, and then do it again when they taste how amazing it is!
  3. Tender Asparagus – I’ll show you how to blanch the asparagus before adding it to the casserole. This way, it’s mostly cooked before the casserole goes in the oven, and it comes out perfectly.

Ingredients In Asparagus Casserole

Here’s what you need to make this delicious side dish:

The ingredients need to make asparagus casserole with mushrooms, all measured into small bowls. Text boxes label each image.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

  • Asparagus: You need two pounds of asparagus to make a casserole that serves 8 people as a side dish. It’s best to weigh it at the store since bundle sizes can vary.
  • Mushrooms: I like to use cremini mushrooms for this dish, but white button mushrooms will work just fine too.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic, finely minced gives the cheesy cream sauce tons of savory flavor
  • Butter, Milk, and Cream Cheese: We’re making a cream sauce! These items in the proper proportions make a silky, rich sauce base for our casserole. Go all out and use full-fat versions of all of them for the best flavor.
  • Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheeses: Shredded mozzarella gets melted into the sauce, while the parmesan is in the topping, and will get toasty and delicious there.
  • Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko is crispier than regular breadcrumbs, so it’s perfect to top asparagus casserole.
  • Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, and a little bit of Ground Nutmeg.

How To Make Asparagus Casserole

a collage of images showing how to blanch asparagus and start the sauce for casserole.
  1. Blanch Asparagus: Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the asparagus and set a timer for 2-3 minutes depending on the thickness of your stalks. Meanwhile, prepare a large bowl with ice-cold water.
  2. Cool and Chop: When the timer is up, Remove the asparagus from the boiling water, and plunge it into the ice water to stop the cooking process.  Leave the asparagus in the ice water for 5 minutes, then drain and dry with paper towels. Cut into 2-inch pieces.
  3. Mix the Topping Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with parmesan, and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C while you make the sauce.
  4. Saute Mushrooms: To start the sauce, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
a collage of images showing how to make asparagus casserole in a skillet
  1. Stir in Flour: Add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, then stir in the flour and cook for 30 more seconds.
  2. Then Milk and Cheese: Gradually add the milk and whisk until heated through. Then add the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and nutmeg. Remove from the heat, and stir until the cheeses are melted.
  3. Now the Asparagus: Once the sauce is finished, add the blanched asparagus and stir to combine.
  4. Bake: If needed, transfer the asparagus mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish. Sprinkle the parmesan panko mixer over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then switch on the broiler and cook until the topping is golden brown.

Tip!

If you use a skillet that can go in the oven, you won’t need to transfer the casserole to a separate baking dish. Hooray for less dishes!

Recipe Tips

  • How to Blanch Asparagus: I have a whole post on the process of blanching asparagus. So head there if you need more details! Basically, we’re cooking the asparagus most of the way in boiling water, then plunging it into ice water so it doesn’t get overcooked.
  • Don’t skip the ice bath for the asparagus spears. This step stops the cooking process so that you don’t end up with mushy vegetables. 
  • You can make this recipe with thin stalks of asparagus or thick ones. What’s most important is that the asparagus is fresh and that you’ve removed the parts at the bottom that are woody and difficult to eat. 
  • If you prefer a different topping, try asparagus casserole with crispy french fried onions, potato chips, or buttery crackers like Ritz instead of the breadcrumbs. 
  • Cheese substitutions: Any kind of melty cheese will work in the sauce. Try swiss cheese instead of mozzarella.
  • Try adding protein: I haven’t done this myself yet, but I’ve seen others add a cup or two of shredded chicken directly into the asparagus casserole to create a full meal out of it.
a serving of cheesy asparagus bake on a patterned plate. A fork is on the edge of the plate.

Storing Tips

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This dish is best when eaten fresh from the oven, so I don’t recommend making it ahead of time on purpose, but leftovers are tasty if they happen.

What To Serve With Asparagus Casserole

This asparagus bake recipe is completely perfect for big holiday meals and fits right in with the usual Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving dinner sides.

For Easter, serve asparagus casserole with Honey Baked Ham and a batch of freshly baked Texas Roadhouse rolls on the side. Don’t forget to make a batch of Deviled Eggs too!

The ideal Christmas dinner would have to include roast beef or Bacon Wrapped Turkey, a festive Christmas Tree Cheese Ball appetizer, and plenty of Christmas cookies!

If you are planning Thanksgiving dinner, I have many delicious turkey options for you to choose from. Maybe you can try a Smoked Turkey this year with this asparagus casserole, crockpot mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

More Veggie Bakes to Try

Broccoli Casserole With Ritz Topping

Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Cheesy Spaghetti Squash with Spinach

All Side Dishes →

Recipe FAQs

Is asparagus healthy?

Asparagus is a healthy veggie with plenty of nutritional perks. This particular asparagus recipe is not the healthiest way to eat asparagus, so enjoy it in moderation. If you are looking for an asparagus recipe with less cream and cheese, see how I make asparagus in the air fryer.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Sure! Swap out the flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour, and look for gluten-free panko bread crumbs too.

How do I know if asparagus is fresh?

When shopping for fresh asparagus, look for stalks that are hydrated, not dry or shriveled. The tops should be closed and firm. If they’ve started to get soft the asparagus is past its prime.

I can’t wait for you to make this recipe! Asparagus Casserole is the BEST way to eat and serve asparagus. It’s the perfect side dish for ham, turkey, chicken, or beef, and will be a welcome addition to your holiday table.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Recipe
creamy cheesy asparagus casserole topped with panko bread crumbs in an enameled skillet.
5 from 5 votes
(Click stars to rate!)

Asparagus Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 45 minutes mins
Author: Diana
Print Rate Recipe
Asparagus Casserole is a creamy veggie bake featuring fresh asparagus and mushrooms baked in a garlic cheese sauce, with a crispy topping.
8 servings
Asparagus Casserole is a creamy veggie bake featuring fresh asparagus and mushrooms baked in a garlic cheese sauce, with a crispy topping.

Equipment

  • 9×13″ casserole dish
  • Skillet
  • Whisk

Ingredients 

  • ¾ cup (75 g) panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
  • ¼ cup (22 g) grated parmesan
  • 2 pounds (900 g) asparagus woody parts trimmed

For The Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) butter
  • 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons (15 g) all purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese
  • ½ cup (110 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions 

  • Blanch asparagus: Bring 4 quarts of water, and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the asparagus and set a timer for 2-3 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a bowl with ice cold water.
  • When the timer is up, Remove the asparagus from the boiling wanter, and plunge it into the ice water to stop the cooking process. Leave the asparagus in the ice water for 5 minutes, then drain and dry with paper towels. Cut into 2 inch pieces.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C fan oven. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with parmesan, and set aside.
  • Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, and add the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
  • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add flour and cook for 30 more seconds.
  • Gradually add milk and whisk until heated through. Then add in the cream cheese and mozzarella and nutmeg. Remove from heat and stir to melt the cheeses.
  • Add blanched asparagus to the sauce and stir to combine. Transfer to a 9×13 inch (approx 22 x 33 cm) casserole dish if the dish you’re using is not oven-proof. Sprinkle the panko parmesan mixture over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then place under the broiler until the top is golden brown.

Notes:

  • I have a whole post on the process of blanching asparagus. So head there if you need more details!
  • Don’t skip the ice bath for the asparagus spears. This step stops the cooking process so that you don’t end up with mushy vegetables. 
  • You can make this recipe with thin stalks of asparagus or thick ones. What’s most important is that the asparagus is fresh and that you’ve removed the parts at the bottom that are woody and difficult to eat. 
  • If you prefer a different topping, try asparagus casserole with crispy french fried onions instead of the breadcrumbs. Crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers will also be delicious.  
  • To Store: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I don’t recommend making this dish ahead of time though, as it’s best when it’s fresh from the oven. 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 217kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 503mg, Potassium: 459mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 1352IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 194mg, Iron: 3mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Little Sunny Kitchen

Did You Make This?I love to see what you made! Tag me @LittleSunnyKitchen and hashtag #LittleSunnyKitchen
Pin Recipe Tag on Insta Leave Review

You may also like...

  • Asparagus Tart
  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus stacked on a plate
    Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
  • blanched asparagus pieces on a plate, overhead shot.
    How to Blanch Asparagus
  • a baked asparagus quiche in a white ceramic pie plate. It's golden brown on top.
    Easy Asparagus Quiche
a bowl of salad with pears and nuts, being tossed with two wooden serving spoons
Previous Post
Pear Salad With Balsamic Dressing
a browned roasted turkey breast on a white platter surrounded by orange slices and herbs.
Next Post
Roasted Turkey Breast

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review! Cancel reply

Have a question or just want to say how much you loved the recipe? Leave a rating below, save for later on Pinterest, and share on Facebook. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe!




Primary Sidebar

Diana, author of Little Sunny Kitchen.
Welcome

Meet Diana

Welcome to Little Sunny Kitchen! I'm Diana and I’m here to teach you how to make easy meals that are quick, family-friendly, and delicious!

Read More
Follow on Pinterest for more ideas!
Free ebook!

Download My Free Dinner eBook!


Get my copy!

Free eBook

Download My Free Dinner eBook!

Popular Recipes

Marry Me Chicken

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Rasta Pasta Recipe

Shredded Chicken Tacos

Reader Favorites

a light green plate of spaghetti and meat sauce with hidden vegetables.

Meat Sauce with Hidden Vegetables

top down view of cheesy beef enchiladas in a casserole pan.

Ground Beef Enchiladas

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

three mahi mahi tacos on a wooden board.

Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos

Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

two white bowls of lasagna soup with a dollop of ricotta cheese and other cheeses, garnished with fresh herbs.

Lasagna Soup

Instant Pot Air Fryer Crockpot Easy Dinners Salads Grilling
Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window

As Featured On:

Dinner tonight
Free ebook!

Get My Free Dinner eBook!

Join us and receive new recipes every week! Receive our FREE eBook with quick and easy dinner recipes that are family-friendly and delicious.

Back to Top

explore

Recipe Index

Videos

Cooking Guides

Follow Along on Social:

Join My Free Cookie Facebook Group
Back to Top

About

Contact

Privacy Policy

Accessibility

© 2025 Little Sunny Kitchen
|
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required