Name: Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 bunches asparagus; Salt and pepper; 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

This Cheesy Baked Asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy sauce, melted cheese, and tender asparagus create a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavorful and Indulgent: The combination of heavy cream, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the tender asparagus.
Versatile Side Dish: This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and fish to steak and pasta.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cheesy Baked Asparagus:

Heavy whipping cream: Forms the creamy base of the sauce.
Asparagus: The star of the dish, providing a tender and slightly sweet flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a creamy and melty texture to the dish.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Asparagus

Step 1: Prepare the Dish

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Pour the heavy cream into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the asparagus to the dish and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Add Cheese

Top the asparagus with the Monterey Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the asparagus is tender.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use fresh asparagus: Fresh asparagus will have the best flavor and texture. Look for asparagus with firm, bright green stalks and tightly closed tips.
Don’t overcook the asparagus: Overcooked asparagus will become mushy. Bake it just until it’s tender and still slightly crisp.
Adjust the cheese: You can use other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyere in place of or in addition to the Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese.
Add other flavors: Feel free to add other flavors like minced garlic, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes to the dish.

How to Serve

Side Dish: Serve this Cheesy Baked Asparagus as a side dish with roasted chicken, fish, steak, or pork.
Appetizer: Serve it as a warm and cheesy appetizer at your next gathering.
Vegetarian Main: Enjoy it as a light and flavorful vegetarian main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cheesy Baked Asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the asparagus may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, consume leftovers within a few days.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus?

Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the dish.

Can I add breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking for a crispy topping.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I make this dish vegan?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a vegan cheese substitute.