Comforting asparagus casserole layered with creamy sauce, melty cheese, and a crisp buttery cracker topping. Perfect for spring dinners or holiday sides.
1.5lbfresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
4tbspsalted butter, melted and divideduse some to sauté, the rest for crumbs
0.75cupyellow onion, finely diced
1.5tspgarlic, minced
10.5ozcondensed cream of mushroom soup
0.75cupmilk
0.5cupsour cream
2cupshredded sharp cheddar cheesedivided
1.5cupbuttery round cracker crumbs
0.33cupgrated Parmesan cheese
0.75tspkosher saltadjust to taste
0.5tspblack pepper
0.25tsppaprika
0.5tsplemon zestbrightens the sauce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Blanch asparagus in salted boiling water for 2–3 minutes. Drain well and pat dry.
Warm 1 tbsp of the melted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Soften onion for 4–5 minutes; stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
Whisk soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Fold in the sautéed onions.
Stir in asparagus and half of the cheddar. Spread mixture in the prepared dish.
Toss cracker crumbs with remaining 3 tbsp melted butter and Parmesan. Sprinkle remaining cheddar over casserole, then scatter crumb mixture on top.
Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Variation: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or 1 cup diced cooked ham for a heartier bake. Swap cream of chicken soup for mushroom if you prefer. To make ahead, assemble without the crumb topping, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add crumbs just before baking.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Asparagus Cracker Casserole Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.