Creamy asparagus casserole is topped with crispy breadcrumbs and perfect for any occasion.

The asparagus is wonderfully crisp-tender and not mushy; the panko topping offers great crunch and salty Parmesan flavor.

Learn how to make asparagus casserole, and thrill everyone with this fresh and lighter casserole side dish.

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole in the dish to serve

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Ingredients for Asparagus Casserole

Asparagus casserole is simple, as is the ingredient list.

Medium-thick spears take a little longer than pencil-thin spears to turn tender.

If you end up with thicker or thinner asparagus, you may need to adjust cooking time.

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole ingredients

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You’ll know the asparagus is ready when it’s easily pierced with a knife.

What’s the Best Asparagus for Asparagus Casserole?

We prefer medium-thick asparagus for this casserole.

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole preparing the casserole dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Thick spears can be woody and difficult to chew, while very thin spears may overcook and become limp.

With the medium-thick spears, you get a nice tender finish after baking that still retains some crispness.

What Goes With Asparagus Casserole?

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole preparing the breadcrumb mixture

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Asparagus casserole is a fantastic side for any number of dishes, whether you’re serving withEaster recipesorholiday mains.

We love this casserole especially withHoney-Glazed HamandSlow-Cooker Salisbury Steak.

Equally great sides to serve with this casserole includeCheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole,Home-Style Butterbeans, orTwice-Baked Potato Casserole.

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole cooking the shallot and garlic

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Store in the fridge up to 4 days, and reheat in a 350F oven until warmed through.

you’ve got the option to also gently reheat in the microwave on half power.

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Directions

Prepare oven and baking dish:

Preheat oven to 400F.

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole adding the milk to the sauce

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Coat an 11 x 7inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Make breadcrumb topping:

Place panko in a medium bowl.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole adding the cheese to the sauce

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Scoop out 2 tablespoons butter into panko bowl and toss to coat; stir in Parmesan.

Sprinkle flour over garlic mixture; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until smooth.

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole stirring the asparagus into the sauce mixture

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Cook until bubbly and thickened, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes.

Remove pan from heat; add salt, pepper, and Gruyere, stirring until Gruyere melts.

Add asparagus mixture to dish:

Spoon asparagus mixture into prepared baking dish.

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole in the dish before baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sprinkle evenly with panko mixture.

Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole in the dish before baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Asparagus Casserole in the dish after baking ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox