Creamy Asparagus and Water Chestnut Bake
Elevate your dining experience with this luxurious Creamy Asparagus and Water Chestnut Bake. Combining tender asparagus with the delightful crunch of water chestnuts, this casserole is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs, it creates a perfect, crispy contrast to the creamy mushroom base. This elegant side dish is not only simple to prepare but also brings a touch of sophistication to any meal, making it ideal for gatherings, holidays, or family dinners.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cut asparagus
2 (15-ounce cans)
Sliced water chestnuts
1 (drained, 8-ounce can)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5-ounce can)
Buttered bread crumbs
1.5 (cups, seasoned if desired)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Drain the cans of cut asparagus and water chestnuts thoroughly.
3
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the cut asparagus evenly across the bottom.
4
Layer the drained water chestnuts over the asparagus.
5
Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top, spreading it out with a spatula to cover all ingredients.
6
In a separate bowl, mix the buttered breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper for additional flavor.
7
Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs generously on top of the casserole.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
9
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Asparagus and Water Chestnut Bake?
It is a luxurious vegetable casserole featuring tender canned asparagus and crunchy water chestnuts in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs.
What are the primary ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients are two 15-ounce cans of cut asparagus, one 8-ounce can of sliced water chestnuts, one 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1.5 cups of buttered breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should the casserole bake?
The dish should bake for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Should the asparagus and water chestnuts be drained?
Yes, it is important to drain the cans of cut asparagus and sliced water chestnuts thoroughly before layering them in the baking dish.
What size baking dish should be used?
A 9x13-inch greased baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
In what order should the ingredients be layered?
Start with the cut asparagus on the bottom, layer the water chestnuts next, pour the cream of mushroom soup over them, and finish with the buttered breadcrumbs.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use seasoned breadcrumbs or add a pinch of salt and pepper to plain buttered breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Absolutely, its sophisticated profile and elegant presentation make it an ideal side dish for holidays, gatherings, or family dinners.
What kind of texture does the water chestnut provide?
The water chestnuts provide a delightful, crisp crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy mushroom base and tender asparagus.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe because it uses simple canned ingredients and requires minimal prep work.
Should the soup be diluted before adding it?
No, the cream of mushroom soup should be poured directly over the vegetables and spread with a spatula to cover them.
How long should the dish cool after baking?
It is recommended to allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
While the recipe calls for cream of mushroom, you could experiment with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable side dish.
Does the recipe require greasing the pan?
Yes, you should use a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly dish?
Yes, as long as the cream of mushroom soup and breadcrumbs used do not contain animal-derived ingredients.
What is the total preparation time roughly?
Preparation takes just a few minutes for draining and layering, followed by a 25-30 minute bake time.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, mixing a pinch of salt and pepper into the breadcrumbs is encouraged for additional flavor.
Are the breadcrumbs supposed to be crispy?
Yes, baking the casserole until the breadcrumbs are golden brown ensures a perfect crispy contrast to the creamy filling.
Can I use fresh asparagus instead?
While the recipe specifies canned, you could use blanched fresh asparagus cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs would work well and provide an even crunchier topping.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, with its creamy base and buttery topping, it is considered a classic comfort food side dish.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I add cheese to this bake?
Adding a layer of shredded cheddar or parmesan under the breadcrumbs would be a delicious variation.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its ease of preparation and popularity as a side dish make it excellent for potlucks.
What if I only have a smaller baking dish?
You can use a smaller dish, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly as the layers will be thicker.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use two baking dishes or a larger deep-dish pan.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
The recipe data does not specify nutritional values, but the buttered breadcrumbs and cream soup typically contain small amounts of cholesterol.