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A tray of asparagus gratin topped with cheese and parsley.
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4.57 from 16 votes

Cheesy Asparagus Gratin

Three different cheeses are turned into a thick cheese sauce that coats stalks of asparagus for an easy vegetable side dish.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds asparagus stalks rinsed with ends cut off
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded asiago cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Sea Salt to taste
  • Garlic Pepper or regular pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the broiler on your oven. Place the rack on the top rung.
  • In a large skillet, bring 3 cups water to a boil. Toss in asparagus and cook covered for 4 minutes or until fork tender. Remove asparagus and place on a nonstick baking sheet (or pre-sprayed baking sheet), in a long row. Season with sea salt and garlic pepper to taste. Set aside.
    2 pounds asparagus stalks, 3 cups water, Sea Salt, Garlic Pepper
    Asparagus in a pot with a wooden spoon.
  • Pour 1 cup asparagus water from the skillet into a measuring cup and discard the rest.
  • In the same skillet, now empty, heat 2 tablespoons salted butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir to combine, about 1 minute.
    2 tablespoons salted butter, 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
    Making a roux in a skillet.
  • Pour the asparagus water into the skillet and combine using a whisk until a thick sauce forms. About 4 minutes.
    Thick sauce
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan, asiago, and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Stir until creamy and fully melted.
    1/2 cup shredded asiago cheese, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
    Cheese sauce in a skillet.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the center of the asparagus. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella.
    Asparagus with cheese on a baking sheet.
  • Broil for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch this step carefully to not overcook.
    Cheesy asparagus spears on a baking sheet.
  • Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve and enjoy!
    Fresh parsley for garnish
    Asparagus with cheesy sauce on a baking sheet.

Video

Notes

Storage: Store leftover asparagus gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 609mg | Potassium: 523mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2240IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 427mg | Iron: 5mg