Creamy Asparagus and Egg Bake with Crunchy Topping
Elevate your vegetable side dish with this Creamy Asparagus and Egg Bake. Featuring tender asparagus, hard-boiled eggs, and a rich creamy sauce, all topped with a crunchy layer of Ritz crackers and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings, you can easily prepare it in advance, allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests while it bakes to golden perfection. Add a touch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor and serve warm for a delightful addition to any meal!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh asparagus
2 bunches (trimmed and washed)
hard-boiled eggs
4 (peeled and thinly sliced)
butter-flavored crackers
1/3 cup (crushed (Ritz recommended))
sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
cream of mushroom soup
1/2 can (undiluted)
milk
1/4 cup
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed asparagus and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green.
3
Quickly remove the asparagus from the boiling water and plunge into a bowl filled with ice water to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, stirring until well blended.
5
In a greased 9x13x2-inch casserole dish, layer the cooked asparagus evenly across the bottom.
6
Next, layer the sliced hard-boiled eggs on top of the asparagus.
7
Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the eggs, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
8
Pour the soup mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring even coverage.
9
If using, sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top for extra flavor.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted.
11
Serve warm and enjoy the compliments from your guests!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Asparagus and Egg Bake?
It is a vegetable casserole featuring tender asparagus, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crunchy Ritz crackers and melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings or holiday meals.
What are the main ingredients for the asparagus bake?
The main ingredients include fresh asparagus, hard-boiled eggs, butter-flavored crackers, sharp cheddar cheese, and cream of mushroom soup.
How should I prepare the asparagus before baking?
The asparagus should be trimmed, washed, and then blanched in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before being plunged into ice water to stop the cooking process.
Why do I need to put the asparagus in ice water?
Plunging the asparagus into ice water, or shocking it, halts the cooking process to maintain its bright green color and prevent it from becoming mushy.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 hard-boiled eggs, which should be peeled and thinly sliced.
What type of crackers are recommended for the topping?
Butter-flavored crackers, specifically Ritz brand, are recommended for the best crunchy texture and flavor.
What kind of cheese is used in this casserole?
One cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese is used to provide a rich, savory flavor.
Do I need to dilute the cream of mushroom soup?
No, you should use the cream of mushroom soup undiluted, mixing it only with 1/4 cup of milk.
What size baking dish should I use?
You should use a greased 9x13x2-inch casserole dish.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the dish need to bake?
The casserole needs to bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish as it contains vegetables, dairy, and eggs, but no meat products.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, allowing you to simply bake it when you are ready to serve.
Can I add extra seasoning to the recipe?
Yes, you can add salt and pepper to taste, and the recipe suggests adding 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
How are the layers organized in the dish?
The layers consist of asparagus on the bottom, followed by sliced eggs, crushed crackers, and shredded cheese, with the soup mixture poured over the top.
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
While fresh asparagus is recommended for texture, you can use frozen asparagus; just ensure it is thawed and drained thoroughly before use.
What if I don't have Ritz crackers?
You can substitute any butter-flavored cracker or even breadcrumbs, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is the Italian seasoning required?
No, the Italian seasoning is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, you can substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if you prefer those flavors over mushroom.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
It is not recommended to freeze this dish after baking as the cracker topping will lose its crunch and the creamy sauce may separate.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Is this dish high in protein?
The dish contains protein from the eggs and cheese, making it more substantial than a standard vegetable side.
What occasion is this recipe best for?
It is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting side dish for a family dinner.
Can I use mild cheddar instead of sharp?
Yes, mild cheddar can be used, but sharp cheddar is recommended to stand up to the creamy soup and crackers.
How do I ensure the topping stays crunchy?
Ensure you don't cover the dish while baking so the crackers can crisp up in the oven's heat.
How much milk should I mix with the soup?
Use exactly 1/4 cup of milk to achieve the correct creamy consistency without making the sauce too thin.
Should the eggs be cold when sliced?
Cold hard-boiled eggs are generally easier to slice cleanly, but room temperature eggs work fine as well.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste to enhance the overall flavor of the vegetables and eggs.