Ingredients:
Instructions:
Prep and Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the ends of the asparagus, then lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking tray and arrange the asparagus in it.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the soft cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the ingredients are well blended.
Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer until the heavy whipping cream reduces and thickens, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This should take a few minutes.
Combine Cheeses: Once thickened, stir in the Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses until they melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus, aiming to cover the middle parts while leaving the tips exposed. Sprinkle the top with red pepper flakes.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. For crunchier asparagus, consider reducing the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
Add Bacon: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the top with bacon crumbs. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This cheesy asparagus casserole is not just a side dish; it's a celebration of flavors that brings comfort and sophistication to your table. The blend of creamy cheese sauce, spicy undertones, and the smokey crunch of bacon makes it a dish that's sure to become a new favorite. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any day that calls for something extra delicious.