Description
Creamy Asparagus Gratin features tender asparagus baked in a rich cheese sauce and topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs. A comforting and elegant dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and blanched
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a medium baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Whisk in milk and cream gradually. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until sauce thickens, then stir in Gruyère and half of the Parmesan.
- Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice bath. Drain and pat dry.
- Arrange asparagus in baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over asparagus. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
- Mix Panko with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2 minutes if needed for extra crispiness.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Trim asparagus by snapping the woody ends before cooking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Substitute Swiss or sharp cheddar if Gruyère is unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg