This asparagus casserole features tender crisp asparagus, a velvety creamy Havarti sauce and fresh lemon and dill flavors. The buttery cracker-almond topping adds a lovely texture and its a fancy side yet quick to prepare. Makes a great side for steaks, roasted chicken, or ham, as well as Easter dinner.
Prep Time::20 mins
Cook Time::30 mins
Total Time::50 mins
Servings::6
Ingredients
cooking spray
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons minced shallot
2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups half and half
1 cup loosely packed shredded Havarti cheese
2 teaspoons lemon zest, plus more for garnish
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
½ cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz®)
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Trim asparagus to fit in the baking dish crosswise and place in an even layer into the dish. Set aside.
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Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring often, until shallots are softened, about 3 minutes.
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Add flour and cook, stirring constantly to incorporate thoroughly, until it smells slightly nutty, about 2 minutes.
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Whisk in half and half and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 3 minutes.
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Remove from heat and whisk in Havarti cheese, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon salt.
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Pour sauce evenly over the center of the asparagus in the dish, leaving the tips and ends of asparagus exposed. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
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Meanwhile, place remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on HIGH until just melted, about 30 seconds. Add crackers, almonds, dill and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; toss to coat mixture evenly in the melted butter.
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After asparagus has baked for 10 minutes, sprinkle cracker mixture over the center of the asparagus.
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Return to the oven and bake until asparagus is just tender and cracker mixture is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Serve hot.
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