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How to Cook Asparagus

Asparagus With Cheese Sauce


  • Author: Krista
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This is a delightful recipe for Asparagus with Cheese Sauce, where fresh asparagus spears are roasted to perfection and topped with a creamy homemade cheese sauce. The slight crunch of the asparagus pairs beautifully with the rich, savory flavor of the cheese sauce, creating a side dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s an easy recipe to prepare, needing just a handful of ingredients and taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a surefire way to impress at any meal, whether it’s a weekday family dinner or a special occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the asparagus:

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste

For the cheese sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water to remove any grit or dirt. Snap off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus stalks.
  3. Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss the asparagus to coat evenly.
  4. Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
  5. While the asparagus is roasting, you can make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour until a paste forms.
  6. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Drizzle the cheese sauce over the roasted asparagus before serving.

Notes

  1. Asparagus Selection: When purchasing asparagus, look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips. This indicates freshness.
  2. Asparagus Preparation: Don’t forget to snap off the woody ends of the asparagus stalks before roasting. These ends are tough and not pleasant to eat.
  3. Roasting Asparagus: Be sure not to overcook the asparagus. You want them to be tender but still have a bit of a crunch. Overcooked asparagus can become mushy.
  4. Cheese Sauce: The cheese sauce can thicken quickly, so keep an eye on it. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk. Make sure to remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cheese to avoid curdling.
  5. Serving: Serve the dish immediately while the cheese sauce is still warm and the asparagus is fresh from the oven.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: 225
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g