Creamy Baked Asparagus Gratin
Delight in this Creamy Baked Asparagus Gratin, a rich and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender asparagus spears layered with a creamy homemade sauce and topped with a golden breadcrumb and cheese topping, this recipe is both elegant and comforting. The addition of hard-boiled eggs provides a protein boost, making it a well-rounded side dish. Impress your family and friends with this delicious vegetable masterpiece that pairs beautifully with any main course.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh asparagus
1 lb (Rinsed, tough ends removed)
butter
4 tablespoons (Divided into portions)
flour
1 tablespoon (For thickening the sauce)
milk
1 cup (Whole milk preferred)
hard-boiled eggs
2 (Finely chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (For added spice)
breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (For topping)
shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Begin by rinsing fresh asparagus under cold water, then snap off the tough ends and peel any tough scales from the stalks.
3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for about 10 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain the asparagus and lay it on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
4
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
5
Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6
In a greased 1 1/2 quart shallow baking dish, lay half of the asparagus in an even layer. Sprinkle with half of the finely chopped hard-boiled eggs, dot with 1 tablespoon of butter, and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
7
Layer on the remaining asparagus and top with the rest of the chopped eggs along the center of the dish.
8
Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the asparagus, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Top with breadcrumbs and shredded Swiss cheese, and dot any visible asparagus with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
10
Serve immediately for an unforgettable addition to your meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Asparagus Gratin?
It is a rich and elegant vegetable side dish featuring tender asparagus spears layered with a homemade creamy sauce, hard-boiled eggs, and a golden breadcrumb and cheese topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this dish?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How much asparagus do I need?
You will need 1 lb of fresh asparagus.
How should I prepare the fresh asparagus?
Rinse the asparagus under cold water, snap off the tough ends, and peel any tough scales from the stalks.
How long should I blanch the asparagus?
Blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes until it is tender-crisp.
What should I do after blanching the asparagus?
Drain the asparagus and lay it on paper towels to absorb any excess moisture before layering.
How do I make the creamy sauce base?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour to form a roux, then gradually pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking until thickened.
What kind of milk is best for the sauce?
Whole milk is preferred for a richer, creamier sauce.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which usually takes 3-4 minutes of whisking over heat.
Why are hard-boiled eggs included in this gratin?
The hard-boiled eggs provide a protein boost and add a unique texture that makes the side dish more well-rounded.
How many eggs are needed and how are they prepared?
You need 2 hard-boiled eggs, which should be finely chopped.
What seasonings are used in the asparagus layers?
The layers are seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How much butter is used in total for the recipe?
A total of 4 tablespoons of butter is used, divided among the roux, the layers, and the topping.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 1 1/2 quart shallow baking dish is recommended.
How is the asparagus layered in the dish?
Lay half the asparagus in an even layer, top with half the eggs, butter, and spices, then repeat with the remaining asparagus and eggs.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese.
What provides the crunchy topping for the gratin?
A combination of 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and shredded Swiss cheese creates the golden topping.
How long does the dish need to bake?
It bakes for a total of approximately 18-20 minutes: 15 minutes covered and an additional 3-5 minutes uncovered.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes of baking.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
Remove the foil after the first 15 minutes to allow the top to become golden brown and bubbling.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which adds a mild kick of heat.
Is Creamy Baked Asparagus Gratin vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Swiss cheese is specified for its flavor, you could likely substitute it with Gruyere or Emmental for a similar taste profile.
What can I serve with this gratin?
It pairs beautifully with any main course, such as roasted meats, poultry, or fish.
How should I serve this dish?
It is best served immediately while hot and the cheese is still bubbling.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The flour is used to thicken the milk into a creamy sauce for the gratin.
Does this dish contain any fiber?
Yes, as it is based on fresh asparagus, it provides dietary fiber, though specific nutritional values are not listed.
Is the asparagus peeled before cooking?
The recipe suggests peeling any tough scales from the stalks after rinsing to ensure a tender texture.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as asparagus, vegetable, gratin, side dish, creamy, and comfort food.