Asparagus au Gratin

Asparagus  au Gratin

A gratin is the perfect dish to highlight cheesy goodness.

Here, fresh asparagus spears are generously covered in cheddar cheese, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and broiled until they achieve a delightful golden-brown crust.

Ingredients

2 pounds asparagus spears, trimmed

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and divided

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

6 ounces Cheddar Cheese, shredded (about 1 ½ cups)

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Heat oven to 400°F. Arrange asparagus in a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil; cook and whisk for 4 minutes or until thickened. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in Cheddar Cheese until melted.

Pour cheese sauce over asparagus. Bake, covered, for 12 minutes. Melt remaining butter; toss with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the sauce. Bake, uncovered, for 9-12 minutes longer or until asparagus is tender. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 2-4 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a writer and editor with forty years of experience, including twelve years in online content. She is the author of five books and holds an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis, and a Master’s degree in Criminology with a focus on cybercrime and identity theft. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminology, Elizabeth’s portfolio covers politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. She is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and artist skilled in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative, she has been involved in over 300 campaigns and has transformed many life events into books and scripts. Additionally, Elizabeth manages seven blogs on topics ranging from art and life coaching to food, writing, gardening, and opinion or history pieces.

Entertaining, Holiday Cuisine, Kilbride, Potpourri of Frugality, Homemade, Do it yourself