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Cheesy Baked Asparagus with Bacon

This comforting dish features tender asparagus baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and topped with crispy bacon, perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 bunches asparagus Wash and trim the asparagus.
  • 1 tablespoon butter Use unsalted butter for control over salt.
  • 0.5 ounces soft cream cheese Adds creaminess to the sauce.
  • 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream Thickens nicely when simmered.
  • 1 tablespoon chicken broth
  • 0.25 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh garlic yields a bigger flavor.
  • 0.25 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.125 teaspoon salt
  • 0.125 teaspoon pepper
  • 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a rich and nutty aroma.
  • 0.125 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded Adds gentle heat.
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes Sprinkled on top for extra kick.
  • 0.33 cup cooked and crumbled bacon Crisp before adding for texture.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and trim the asparagus, snapping off woody ends.
  3. Grease a 9 x 13 baking tray and lay the asparagus in a single layer.
Making the Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add soft cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth; stir until cheeses soften.
  3. Add garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir until smooth.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low, bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly until thickened.
  5. Stir in Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses until fully melted.
Baking
  1. Pour cheese sauce over asparagus, avoiding the tips.
  2. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the sauce.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes, or less for al dente asparagus.
  4. Scatter crumbled bacon on top and return to the oven for 3 more minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or more crumbled bacon.

Notes

To save time, use pre-cooked bacon. Avoid overcrowding the baking tray to prevent steaming. For variation, swap Pepper Jack cheese for Gruyère.