Indulge in the delectable flavors of Mrs. Bice's Asparagus Casserole, a culinary masterpiece that combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of asparagus with a creamy, cheesy sauce, all enveloped in a golden-brown breadcrumb topping. This classic casserole is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring tender-crisp asparagus spears, a rich and creamy base, and a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb topping. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side, perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or a comforting family meal. Alongside the main recipe, this article also offers variations to suit diverse dietary preferences, including a vegan version that captures the essence of the original dish without compromising on taste. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this iconic casserole and its delectable variations.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ASPARAGUS CASSEROLE
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add the asparagus to a large pot of boiling water, keeping the bundles together with rubber bands or string. Cook for a couple of minutes; the asparagus should be bright green and still crunchy. List the bundles out of the water and slice off the tough ends of the asparagus. Drop the trimmed ends back in the boiling water and lower to a simmer.
- Run the asparagus tops under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the milk and 1 cup of the asparagus cooking liquid. Add the salt and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add the grated Cheddar and cook, stirring, until melted, about 1 minute.
- Arrange the asparagus in the bottom of a 9-by-12-by-2-inch baking dish, alternating the stem ends so each serving includes both heads and stems. Thinly slice the hard-boiled eggs and arrange them over the asparagus. Pour the cheese sauce over the eggs and asparagus and sprinkle with the cracker crumbs. Bake until lightly browned and bubbles appear around the edges, about 20 minutes.
MRS. CLAUS'S CASSEROLE
I found this recipe in a magazine some 20 yrs ago. It is a delicious, hearty meal for a cold winter's night. I reduce the fat content by using a non-stick pan and pouring off half of the bacon fat. It is easy to stretch the recipe by adding more potatoes and carrots. I use a 4 qt. "everything" pan with a non-stick finish. From Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage and Polish Kielbasa. I add 1 clove of minced garlic, for a little extra kick. I leave out the celery, that's my preference. My family likes it with a dollop of Dijon mustard on the side. I also cook the broccoli on the side.
Provided by Diane C. @thymeandmarjoram
Categories Beef
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a large heavy skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon. Blot the bacon with a paper towel and set aside. (This is where I drain off half the bacon fat.)
- Add the potatoes, celery, onion and carrots to the bacon fat in the pan. Stir to coat with the bacon fat. Fry over medium heat. Add 1 clove of garlic, minced. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally. The original recipe says to fry uncovered. I use a lid, because it cooks faster and comes out softer.
- When the vegetables are tender, place the broccoli and sausage on top. Cover and heat for 12-15 minutes until thoroughly heated. The broccoli will steam with the sausage. Crumble the cooked bacon on top before serving.
Tips:
- Choose thick asparagus stalks: Thicker stalks will hold their shape better during cooking and provide a more satisfying bite.
- Trim the asparagus properly: Cut off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus spears, about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh asparagus, cream, and cheese will give the casserole the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the asparagus: Overcooked asparagus will be mushy and lose its flavor. Cook it just until it is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a good quality cheese: A sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese will give the casserole a rich and flavorful taste.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add other ingredients to the casserole, such as cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped walnuts.
Conclusion:
Mrs. Bice's Asparagus Casserole is a classic side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender-crisp asparagus, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
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