This Swiss Asparagus Au Gratin is a comforting side dish that elevates simple vegetables into a rich, savory delight. Tender asparagus spears are lightly blanched to retain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, then nestled in a baking dish. They are topped with a luscious mixture of melted butter, dry mustard, and plenty of shredded Swiss cheese. A sprinkle of dry bread crumbs adds a delightful crunch, creating a perfect contrast to the soft vegetables and gooey cheese. The dry mustard provides a subtle warmth that complements the nutty flavor of the Swiss cheese without overpowering the natural sweetness of the asparagus. Ideal for spring dinners, holiday gatherings, or as an elegant addition to a roast beef or chicken main course, this dish comes together quickly with minimal effort. It&# 226;ÂÂs a timeless classic that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home table, satisfying both vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
Swiss Asparagus Au Gratin
Description
This Swiss Asparagus Au Gratin is a comforting side dish that elevates simple vegetables into a rich, savory delight. Tender asparagus spears are lightly blanched to retain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, then nestled in a baking dish. They are topped with a luscious mixture of melted butter, dry mustard, and plenty of shredded Swiss cheese. A sprinkle of dry bread crumbs adds a delightful crunch, creating a perfect contrast to the soft vegetables and gooey cheese. The dry mustard provides a subtle warmth that complements the nutty flavor of the Swiss cheese without overpowering the natural sweetness of the asparagus. Ideal for spring dinners, holiday gatherings, or as an elegant addition to a roast beef or chicken main course, this dish comes together quickly with minimal effort. It&# 226;ÂÂs a timeless classic that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home table, satisfying both vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
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Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the trimmed asparagus spears to the boiling water.
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Cook for 2 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain thoroughly.
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Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer in a 10x6 inch baking dish.
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In a small bowl, mix together the shredded Swiss cheese, dry bread crumbs, melted butter, dry mustard, and pepper.
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Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the asparagus.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the topping is lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 34.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.3g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 3.4mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 6.6g3%
- Dietary Fiber 3.6g15%
- Sugars 3.2g
- Protein 3.7g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The original directions mention "Kraft Touch of Butter" and "Swiss Cheese 1/4 c Dry bread crumbs" which were not in the ingredient list. Ensure you have approximately 1/4 cup of dry bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter on hand.
For best results, choose asparagus spears of uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
Do not overcook the asparagus in the water; it should remain crisp as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
If you prefer a crispier topping, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
This dish is best served immediately while the topping is still warm and crunchy.
