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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/asparagus-au-gratin-recipe/