Asparagus au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

Asparagus au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy dish that transforms simple asparagus into a rich and comforting side. With a flavorful sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and Gruyere cheese, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
• Drizzle of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 3 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place the trimmed asparagus in an 8×8 baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
2. Step 2: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-low to low heat.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning or browning.
4. Step 4: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to form a roux.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, rubbed sage, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and is heated through.
6. Step 6: Stir in half of the shredded Gruyere cheese until fully melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the asparagus in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
• Substitute Gruyere with Swiss or Parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a warm, subtle spice.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter, fresher taste.

Storage

Store leftover asparagus au gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for best results.

What can I serve with asparagus au gratin?

This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Asparagus au Gratin Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

This Asparagus au Gratin is a rich and comforting side dish featuring tender asparagus spears baked in a creamy Gruyère cheese sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly golden and bubbling from the oven, it makes a delightful addition to any meal.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 3 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Other

• Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Asparagus: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the trimmed asparagus in an 8×8 baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a couple pinches of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
2. Melt Butter: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-low to low heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
3. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning or browning.
4. Add Flour to Form Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to form a light roux that thickens the sauce.
5. Incorporate Liquids and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, rubbed sage, and add a couple large pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes until the mixture is warm and starts to thicken slightly.
6. Melt Cheese into Sauce: Stir in half of the shredded Gruyere cheese until fully melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Assemble and Top: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the asparagus in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese on top for a golden crust.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. For extra encouragement, if you loved this recipe, consider leaving a 5-star rating and review!

Notes

• Trim the tough ends of the asparagus before cooking to ensure tenderness.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic; keep the heat low and stir constantly.
• Use freshly shredded Gruyere cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Adjust seasoning at the end since cheese adds saltiness as well.
• This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main when served with crusty bread.
• If desired, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.

Keywords: Asparagus au Gratin, baked asparagus, Gruyere cheese, creamy asparagus, French side dish, cheesy vegetable bake