Get ready to transform an ordinary vegetable into a creamy, crispy, and absolutely irresistible side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! This Old Fashioned Asparagus Casserole is not just a recipe—it's a nostalgic journey back to classic American home cooking that combines the fresh, tender asparagus with a rich, creamy sauce and a perfectly crisp cracker topping. Whether you're looking to impress your family or bring a crowd-pleasing dish to your next potluck, this timeless recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked asparagus
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed crackers
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- If using fresh asparagus, trim the woody ends and steam or boil until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain well and chop into 1-inch pieces. If using canned or pre-cooked asparagus, drain thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Add the cooked asparagus to the soup mixture, stirring gently to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the asparagus and soup mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the asparagus.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Fresh vs. Canned: While fresh asparagus is ideal, this recipe is flexible. If using fresh, choose bright green, firm stalks and don't overcook them—you want them tender-crisp.
- Cracker Topping Trick: For extra crunch, mix in some crushed butter crackers or add a handful of toasted breadcrumbs to your cracker and Parmesan topping.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or Swiss for a unique flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, baked fish, or as a standalone vegetarian main dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
