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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water to remove any grit or dirt. Snap off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus stalks.
- Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss the asparagus to coat evenly.
- Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
- 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.
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the cheese sauce over the roasted asparagus before serving.
Notes
- Asparagus Selection: When purchasing asparagus, look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips. This indicates freshness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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