Introduction to the Dish
This asparagus dish is a perfect combination of rich, creamy, and savory flavors, topped with crispy bacon.
It’s ideal for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering. The blend of Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheese provides a delightful richness, while the red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
Choosing the Right Asparagus
When selecting asparagus, look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips.
Fresh asparagus is essential for this recipe, as it ensures a tender texture after baking. The thinner the stalk, the more tender it will be, but thicker stalks also work well if you prefer a heartier bite.
Washing and Trimming the Asparagus
To prepare the asparagus, rinse each stalk thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, trim the tough ends of the stalks—usually around 1-2 inches.
You can snap them off naturally by bending the stalk gently, and it will break at the right point, or use a knife to trim them uniformly.
Preparing the Baking Tray
Before placing the asparagus in the tray, ensure that the 9×13-inch baking dish is greased well. You can use butter or cooking spray for this. The grease prevents the asparagus from sticking to the tray and makes cleanup easier once the dish is done.
Melting the Butter
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dish and helps in the cooking process by providing a smooth base for the sauce. Make sure the butter doesn’t brown; keep the heat at medium to prevent this.
Adding the Cream Cheese
Once the butter is fully melted, add 1/2 ounce of soft cream cheese to the skillet. Let it melt into the butter, stirring constantly. This will be the base of your creamy cheese sauce. The cream cheese helps thicken the sauce, giving it a smooth, velvety texture.
Incorporating the Whipping Cream and Chicken Broth
Next, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 tablespoon of chicken broth.
Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and the cream cheese fully blends with the liquids.
The heavy cream adds richness, while the chicken broth infuses the sauce with savory depth.
Seasoning the Sauce
Add your spices to the mixture: 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. These spices give the dish a nice aromatic flavor with a touch of smokiness from the paprika.
Simmering the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium/low and allow the sauce to simmer gently. Stir it regularly to prevent burning and ensure the sauce thickens uniformly.
As the sauce simmers, the heavy whipping cream will reduce, and the flavors will intensify, resulting in a luscious, creamy texture.
Checking the Consistency
After a few minutes of simmering, keep an eye on the sauce’s consistency. You want it thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. It should not be runny or watery.
If it’s too thin, let it cook for a few more minutes, stirring continuously. When the sauce reaches the right consistency, it’s ready for the next step.
Adding the Cheeses
Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to add the cheese. First, stir in 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan adds a nutty, savory flavor to the sauce.
Then, add 1/8 cup of shredded Pepper Jack cheese. Pepper Jack will bring a creamy texture along with a subtle heat, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Melting the Cheese
Continue stirring the mixture until both cheeses melt completely into the sauce. The result will be a smooth, velvety cheese sauce. This step is crucial for ensuring that the sauce is creamy and well-seasoned, providing the perfect coating for the asparagus.
Pouring the Sauce Over the Asparagus
Once your cheese sauce is ready, carefully pour it over the asparagus in the baking dish. Aim to cover the middle of the asparagus stalks, leaving the tops exposed. This ensures that the tips will remain crisp while the stalks absorb the creamy sauce.
Adding Mozzarella and Red Pepper Flakes
Top the sauce with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for an additional layer of melted cheese and gooey goodness. Then, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy sauce and helps balance the richness of the dish.
Baking the Dish
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. If you prefer your asparagus to have a bit of crunch, you can reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes. The asparagus should be tender but still slightly firm. The cheese will melt and turn golden brown, making it a beautiful dish to serve.
Checking for Doneness
After the initial 15 minutes, check the asparagus. The sauce should be bubbling, and the cheese on top should be golden and slightly crispy. If the asparagus isn’t tender enough for your liking, you can bake it for a few more minutes.
Adding the Bacon
Once the asparagus is done, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the top of the cheesy asparagus. The bacon adds a crispy, savory crunch that complements the creaminess of the sauce. This is the finishing touch that brings the whole dish together.
Final Bake and Serving
Return the dish to the oven for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the bacon to crisp up and the flavors to meld together.
Once it’s done, remove it from the oven, and the cheesy, bacon-topped asparagus is ready to serve. It pairs wonderfully with any main course, from grilled meats to pasta.
Enjoy!