Asparagus Casserole Creamy Healthy Wellplated Com

This healthy asparagus casserole is a springtime riff on my popular Healthy Green Bean Casserole. Like the green bean casserole recipe that inspired it, as well as the majority of these healthy casserole recipes, this is a from-scratch casserole that ditches the cream of mushroom soup and uses simple ingredients you likely already have around. It is equally as scrumptious as the green bean original, but since (unlike green beans), you don’t need to blanch the asparagus before adding it to the sauce, it is quicker and easier to make. I envision this old-fashioned asparagus casserole as an Easter side dish or Mother’s Day brunch addition. Just like Broccoli Bake, it is easy enough that you don’t need a special occasion to make it. Plus, when spring arrives and asparagus is in season, that is occasion enough to celebrate! Fellow asparagus lovers, you can also party it up with perfect Roasted Asparagus, creamy Asparagus Soup, this Easy Asparagus Tart, or any of these healthy asparagus recipes.

How to Make Asparagus Casserole

Like a summertime Zucchini Casserole, what makes this healthy asparagus casserole special is its use of fresh ingredients. Skip asparagus casserole cream of mushroom soup-style and definitely skip canned asparagus casserole. While I am all for a smart shortcut, here using the real deal pays off in every bite.

The Ingredients

Asparagus. This low-calorie veggie is the scrumptious star of our casserole. It pairs beautifully with mushrooms and the cheesy breadcrumb topping. Plus, asparagus is rich in fiber, vitamins, and folate. Mushrooms. Mushrooms bring earthy, umami goodness to the casserole, giving it deep flavor. They’re also filled with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Milk. 2% milk provides the casserole with the perfect amount of richness without the need for heavy cream. Flour. Helps thicken the casserole filling and makes it luscious.

Spices. Salt, pepper, dried basil, and nutmeg give the casserole delicious flavor. Greek Yogurt. Using Greek yogurt to thicken casseroles is one of my favorite healthy hacks. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with protein. Fresh Basil. Basil is a spectacular finishing touch that adds wonderful freshness. Crispy Panko Topping. A combination of whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, lemon zest, and melted butter creates our crispy casserole topping. It’s perfectly cheesy and flavorful!

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate casserole in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or gently in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze leftover casserole in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Baking Dish. One of my most-loved kitchen tools. Dutch Oven. The perfect tool for preparing the casserole ingredients. Citrus Juicer. My #1 hack for easily juicing lemons and limes.

Asparagus season, we welcome you, casserole style! Not a fan of mushrooms? You can simply omit them.

Fried Onions. French fried onions are a casserole classic, and they’d be absolutely delicious on top of this asparagus casserole. Bacon. The ultimate crowd-pleaser! Finish off the casserole with some crumbed pieces of Oven Baked Bacon. Nuts. For an extra crunchy finish, try topping your casserole with chopped nuts. Walnuts or pine nuts would be tasty here.

When ready to bake, let come to room temperature (if the dish is in the freezer, place it in the refrigerator the night before to thaw). Sprinkle with the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed.