Asparagus Casserole
Elevate your asparagus with this sophisticated casserole, boasting tender, crisp stalks enveloped in a velvety, creamy Havarti sauce, brightened with fresh lemon and dill. A buttery cracker-almond topping provides a delightful textural contrast, making it a quick yet elegant side dish, perfect for steaks, roast chicken, or a festive Easter feast.
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate
16 g
-
Cholesterol
67 mg
-
Fiber
4 g
-
Protein
13 g
-
Saturated Fat
14 g
-
Sodium
465 mg
-
Sugar
6 g
-
Fat
28 g
-
Unsaturated Fat
0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
0 mins
Gather all ingredients.
02
Step
0 mins
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Trim asparagus to fit in the baking dish crosswise and place in an even layer into the dish. Set aside.
03
Step
3 mins
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring often, until shallots are softened, about 3 minutes.
04
Step
2 mins
Add flour and cook, stirring constantly to incorporate thoroughly, until it smells slightly nutty, about 2 minutes.
05
Step
3 mins
Whisk in half and half and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 3 minutes.
06
Step
0 mins
Remove from heat and whisk in Havarti cheese, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon salt.
07
Step
10 mins
Pour sauce evenly over the center of the asparagus in the dish, leaving the tips and ends of asparagus exposed. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
08
Step
0 mins
Meanwhile, place remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on HIGH until just melted, about 30 seconds. Add crackers, almonds, dill and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; toss to coat mixture evenly in the melted butter.
09
Step
0 mins
After asparagus has baked for 10 minutes, sprinkle cracker mixture over the center of the asparagus.
10
Step
10 mins
Return to the oven and bake until asparagus is just tender and cracker mixture is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Serve hot.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the Havarti sauce.
If you don't have shallots, a small sweet onion can be substituted.
Feel free to experiment with different types of crackers in the topping for a unique twist.
To prevent the cracker topping from burning, tent the casserole with foil during the last few minutes of baking if needed.
RECIPE REVIEWS
Avarage Rating:
4.8/ 5 ( 4 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
Marcelo Powlowski
Jun 18, 2025This recipe was a huge hit at Easter! The Havarti sauce is so rich and flavorful.
Alia Towne
Jun 14, 2025Easy to follow instructions and the casserole turned out perfectly. Thank you!
Myles Berge
Jun 12, 2025The lemon zest really brightens up the dish. I will definitely be making this again.
Frankie Prosacco
Jun 8, 2025I added a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to the cracker topping, and it was delicious!