Scalloped Asparagus With Cheddar Cheese Sauce

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 08/7/19
Scalloped Asparagus Casserole

 The Spruce

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
394 Calories
23g Fat
33g Carbs
17g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 394
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 23g 29%
Saturated Fat 9g 46%
Cholesterol 38mg 13%
Sodium 668mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Protein 17g
Calcium 412mg 32%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The delicious, crumb-topped asparagus casserole features a simple white sauce with cheddar cheese. The recipe calls for frozen asparagus, but fresh can be used. Boil or steam the asparagus until just tender and then proceed with the recipe.

Pimiento adds some color to the dish, but we sometimes add diced roasted red bell pepper if we don't have the pimiento. Or replace the pimiento with canned mushrooms or sautéed fresh sliced mushrooms.

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 pounds of asparagus (or 18 to 20 ounces frozen asparagus)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)
  • 6 tablespoons butter (or margarine)
  • 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 ounces pimiento (drained, 1/4 cup chopped)
  • 3/4 cup mild cheddar cheese (grated)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
     The Spruce

  2. Heat the oven to 350 F (180 C/Gas 4). Lightly butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish.

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
    The Spruce 

  3. For fresh asparagus, wash it and snap off the woody part of the stalks, and cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces. 

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
     The Spruce

  4. Lay the spears in a deep skillet or sauté pan and cover with about an inch of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until just tender. (For frozen asparagus, follow the cooking instructions on the package.)

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
    The Spruce 

  5. Drain immediately and cover with cool water to stop the cooking process.

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
     The Spruce

  6. Transfer it to the prepared baking dish or casserole. 

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
    The Spruce 

  7. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
     The Spruce

  8. Mix 2 tablespoons of the butter with the soft bread crumbs and set aside for topping casserole later.

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
     The Spruce

  9. Blend the flour, salt, and pepper into remaining butter in the saucepan. Continue cooking and stirring over low heat.

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
     The Spruce

  10. Gradually add the milk and cook, stirring, until thickened.

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
     The Spruce

  11. Add Worcestershire sauce, pimiento, and cheese; stir until cheese has melted.

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
     The Spruce

  12. Pour the sauce over the asparagus in the baking dish and then top with the buttered crumbs.

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
     The Spruce

  13. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
    The Spruce 

  14. Serve with your choice of entrée and enjoy!

    Scalloped Asparagus Casserole recipe
     The Spruce

Tip

  • Don't throw that day-old bread away! Dry the bread slightly in a 325 F oven until it's somewhat dry and crusty and then tear it into pieces. Put the pieces in the food processor and pulse to make coarse or fine crumbs depending on how you plan to use them. Put the crumbs in a food storage bag, seal, and freeze. You'll have crumbs for meatloaf, meatballs, and casseroles any time you need them. 

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