Cheesy Asparagus Casserole Recipe

Asparagus is a spring vegetable that is not only delicious but also nutritious. It's a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. This casserole is a great way to enjoy asparagus and all of its health benefits. The creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping make this dish truly irresistible.
This Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a great option for a weeknight meal. It's easy to prepare ahead of time and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. It's also a great dish to take to a potluck or party.

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large pot of boiling water, cook asparagus for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
5. Spread asparagus in the prepared baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over asparagus. Sprinkle with panko breadcrumb mixture.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Tips:
8. For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
9. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for a warm, autumnal flavor.
10. If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs.
11. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.