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Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. Cook the bacon until crispy, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once crispy, remove the cooked bacon using a slotted spoon, leaving behind two tablespoons of the fat in the skillet.
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Add the chopped onion to the same skillet with the bacon fat. Cook the onion until it softens and becomes translucent.
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Once the onion is softened, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrantAbout 30 seconds. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Quickly blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 1 minute, then transfer it to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
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For the adjusted sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and cook until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then stir in Parmesan cheese until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in the cooked bacon and onion. Season with salt and pepper.
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Arrange blanched asparagus in the greased baking dish and pour the adjusted sauce evenly over the top.
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Create the topping by combining breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, and parsley. Sprinkle the mixture over the sauce.
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Bake the casserole uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the asparagus is tender, the topping is golden, and the sauce bubbles.
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Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this irresistible dish bursting with flavor!
Tips + Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be prepared in advance and baked when needed. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Watch the Bacon: Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks in the skillet. It can go from crispy to burnt quickly, so stir occasionally and remove it from the heat once it reaches your desired crispiness.
- Blanch Asparagus Properly: When blanching the asparagus, make sure to cook it in boiling salted water for just 1 minute. Then, immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This ensures the asparagus retains its vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Gradually Add Milk to the Sauce: When adding milk to the saucepan for the creamy sauce, do it gradually while whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps from forming and ensures a smooth sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the asparagus and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt and pepper if desired to suit your taste preferences.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes to ensure the asparagus is tender and the topping is golden brown. You can use a fork to test the doneness of the asparagus.
- Allow to Cool Before Serving: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to handle when serving.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 362 (18%)| Carbohydrates: 22g (7%)| Protein: 16g (32%)| Fat: 25g (38%)| Saturated Fat: 11g (69%)| Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g| Monounsaturated Fat: 10g| Trans Fat: 0.3g| Cholesterol: 50mg (17%)| Sodium: 637mg (28%)| Potassium: 702mg (20%)| Fiber: 5g (21%)| Sugar: 9g (10%)| Vitamin A: 2210IU (44%)| Vitamin C: 16mg (19%)| Calcium: 274mg (27%)| Iron: 6mg (33%)
