Baked Asparagus au Gratin is a family-friendly recipe, perfect alongside your Easter ham or favorite main dish! Using Pleasant Ridge Reserve, the most-awarded cheese in American history, and topped with crunchy bread crumbs, this delectable side dish will wow your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 5 tablespoons butter, cubed and divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 ounces Pleasant Ridge Reserve cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
| 1. Heat oven to 400°F. |
| 2. Arrange asparagus in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. |
| 3. Melt 4 tablespoons 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 2 minutes or until thickened. |
| 4. Reduce heat to low; gradually whisk in Pleasant Ridge Reserve until melted. Pour cheese sauce over asparagus. Bake, covered, for 10 minutes. |
| 5. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle crumb mixture over sauce. Bake, uncovered, for 7-9 minutes longer or until asparagus is tender. Broil 3-4 inches from the heat for 1-2 minutes or until topping is golden brown. |
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