This asparagus casserole recipe is truly a standout, perfect for any occasion from a simple family dinner to holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Easter. Imagine tender asparagus enveloped in a creamy, sharp cheddar sauce, crowned with a satisfyingly crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This dish is not just a side; it’s a comforting experience that pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like cheesy baked rice, weeknight cast iron NY strip steak, or even a luxurious prime rib roast. And for a truly memorable holiday meal, follow it up with a classic chocolate chess pie for dessert – a combination that’s become a Christmas dinner favorite!
close up top view of old fashioned asparagus casserole topped with Ritz crackers.
Recipe Highlights
- Effortless and Quick: One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You use raw asparagus, which cooks perfectly in the oven, retaining its texture without becoming mushy.
- Egg-Free (Unless You Want Them): While some old fashioned asparagus casserole recipes include hard-boiled eggs, this version keeps it simple and egg-free. However, if you’re a fan, feel free to add some chopped hard-boiled eggs on top before baking.
- Versatile Asparagus Options: Whether you have fresh asparagus (ideal for an Easter dinner recipe), frozen, or even canned asparagus on hand, this casserole works beautifully with all.
Ingredients for Your Asparagus Casserole
ingredients for easy asparagus casserole on wooden board.
To create this delightful Pioneer Woman Asparagus casserole, you’ll need fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces. Then gather onion, garlic, flour, milk, mayonnaise, grated cheddar cheese, and of course, Ritz crackers for that signature topping. A dash of salt and pepper to taste, and you’re all set!
Ingredient Notes and Customizations
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: For a gluten-free asparagus casserole, simply omit the flour and use 2 teaspoons of cornstarch instead. Whisk the cornstarch into the milk before adding it to the onion mixture. Ensure it’s well combined before proceeding. For the topping, swap out the Ritz crackers for your favorite gluten-free crackers or even crushed potato chips.
- The Magic of Mayonnaise: Yes, this recipe includes mayonnaise, and trust us, it’s a game-changer! It adds a subtle richness and enhances the texture without overpowering the other flavors. Even if you’re not a mayo enthusiast, you likely won’t detect it specifically, but it plays a crucial role in the overall deliciousness. For a mayo-free asparagus recipe, consider this 5-minute Vegan Broiled Asparagus as a tasty alternative.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to customize your casserole. Swiss or Fontina cheese are excellent melty options that would work wonderfully in place of cheddar.
- Ritz Cracker Topping Alternatives: While Ritz crackers are the quintessential casserole topping, panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs can also be used. For breadcrumbs, mix about ½ cup with 2 tablespoons of melted butter to mimic the richness of the Ritz crackers.
- Make it a Meal: For a heartier dish, many readers have suggested adding 1-2 cups of cooked shredded chicken to the mixture. This simple addition transforms the casserole into a complete and satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Asparagus Casserole Perfection
ritz crackers crushed in a ziploc bag.
Begin by crushing the Ritz crackers. A zip-top bag works great for this – simply seal the crackers inside and crush them into coarse crumbs using your hands or a rolling pin. Set aside for topping later.
In a large bowl, combine the trimmed and cut asparagus, grated cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Mix well to ensure the asparagus is nicely coated.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they become softened and slightly translucent.
black skillet with sautéed onions, garlic, and flour.
Sprinkle the minced garlic and flour over the sautéed onions in the skillet. Stir continuously to create a roux, a paste-like mixture that will thicken the sauce.
Continue cooking the onion-flour mixture for another minute or two, stirring constantly, to lightly brown the flour. This step adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
glass measuring cup pouring milk into skillet with onions and roux.
Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously to incorporate it smoothly into the roux. This gradual addition prevents lumps and ensures a creamy sauce.
thickened milk mixture being poured into bowl with fresh asparagus for asparagus casserole.
Stir the milk mixture until it just begins to bubble and thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and pour the warm milk sauce into the bowl with the asparagus mixture.
Top view of asparagus casserole uncooked in baking dish.
Gently stir everything together until the asparagus is evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish that has been lightly greased with cooking spray. Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers generously over the top of the casserole.
Top view of asparagus casserole in rectangular white baking dish.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes. The casserole is ready when the asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp, and the cheese is melted, hot, and bubbly. For an extra golden and crispy topping, you can broil for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This make-ahead asparagus casserole is perfect for busy holidays or when you want to prep in advance. You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply add the Ritz cracker topping and bake as directed, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Leftovers are also delicious! Store any leftover casserole in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
spoonful of fresh asparagus casserole in front of window.
side view of asparagus casserole with Ritz crackers on a white plate.
This recipe is versatile! You can easily substitute broccoli for asparagus if desired. Simply double the cheese sauce ingredients to make two separate casseroles – one asparagus and one broccoli – for a delightful variety.
Serving Suggestions for Asparagus Casserole
- This casserole is fantastic for Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, or any special occasion, but it’s equally enjoyable as a side dish year-round.
- For a satisfying weeknight dinner, serve it alongside roast chicken and baked mushroom rice.
- For a Thanksgiving feast, consider pairing it with smoked turkey breast, healthy green bean casserole, baked mashed potatoes (another great make-ahead option!), and roasted brussels sprouts.
white plate with serving of cheesy baked asparagus on a blue napkin.
White plate with ham and Thanksgiving side dishes.
Ready to Try This Recipe?
We hope you love this pioneer woman inspired asparagus casserole as much as we do! If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear about it. Please leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest. Enjoy!
Asparagus Casserole Recipe
white plate of asparagus casserole with a silver fork.
By Lindsay Howerton-Hastings
Easy and cheesy, this asparagus casserole is a simple side dish that can be prepped ahead of time. Truly the best!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zip-top bag (optional, for crushing crackers)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons flour (or 2 teaspoons cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 Ritz crackers, or similar, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Crush Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or using another method and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine asparagus, mayonnaise, and grated cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly browned.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and flour (or cornstarch) over the onions. Stir to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour milk into the skillet, stirring continuously to incorporate it into the roux. Let the milk sauce come to a gentle bubble and thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the warm milk sauce into the bowl with the asparagus mixture. Stir to combine everything.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until asparagus is tender and cheese is bubbly. Broil for 1 minute at the end for extra browning if desired.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Asparagus Options: Fresh asparagus is ideal, but canned (drained) or thawed frozen asparagus also work well.
- Make Ahead: Assemble casserole ahead of time, up to baking, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute 2 teaspoons of cornstarch for the flour and use gluten-free crackers for the topping.
