Name: Asparagus Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (grated); 1/2 onion (diced); 2 tablespoons flour; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup milk; salt and pepper; 15 Ritz crackers or similar (crushed)

Recipe Notes

Quick: The total best thing about this is that we throw the asparagus in RAW so it cooks and softens in the oven but doesn't get brown and mushy, thanks but no thanks.

Can I Add Eggs? There are also some old fashioned asparagus casserole recipes that include hard boiled eggs? I didn't include them here but, if you're into hard boiled eggs, throw some chopped hard boiled eggs into the casserole with the bowl when you add the cheese. Let me know how it is!

Asparagus Variations: I use fresh asparagus in this casserole (which makes it a perfect Easter dinner recipe when asparagus is in season, but I have made this with frozen AND canned asparagus and it works great in all the ways. Promise.

Ingredient Notes and Variations

Asparagus: The most important part of this asparagus casserole! I use fresh asparagus, but many have used frozen and canned asparagus over the years with great results. For frozen or canned asparagus, be sure to squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible so the casserole doesn't end up too watery.

To make this gluten free, skip the flour and instead whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch into the milk mixture BEFORE streaming it into the onion skillet. Stream in the milk/cornstarch mixture, and proceed with the rest of the recipe. Swap the crackers for a gluten free cracker or crushed chip of your choice.

YES there is mayonnaise in here and I don't want to hear a thing about it, it tastes delicious and you 100% will not know it is in there, mayo-haters. I see you, I validate you (I'm kidding, this isn't a mental health issue), but trust me the flavor added is a good one, and the texture is important. Don't skip it. If you need a mayo-free asparagus recipe, I love this 5-minute Vegan Broiled Asparagus as an alternative.

Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to swap the cheese for any grated melty cheese that you like. Swiss or Fontina cheese are both really yummy!

Ritz Cracker Topping: I think that Ritz crackers are the true queen of casserole toppings BUT panko bread crumbs or regular bread crumbs are delicious too! Just mix about ½ cup bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and use them just like you would crushed crackers.

Protein: Many readers have commented that adding 1-2 cups of cooked shredded chicken makes this an entire meal for their family. Definitely do that.

For full recipe instructions and ingredient list with quantities, see the recipe card below.

Step By Step Instructions

Start by crushing the Ritz crackers and setting them aside for the topping once the casserole is done.

Asparagus with mayonnaise and grated cheese in a large glass mixing bowl.

Next, add the asparagus, mayonnaise, and grated cheese to a large bowl, and set that aside (we're just prepping everything, then making the sauce, then assembling the casserole).

Skillet with sauteed chopped onions and garlic.

Now, make the cream sauce that brings the casserole together. In a medium pan, cook the onion and garlic with a sprinkle of salt and drizzle of oil over medium heat until very soft, then sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to form a paste.

glass measuring cup pouring milk into skillet with onions and roux.

Let the flour mixture cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is no longer dry (add another drizzle of oil if needed). Then, very slowly drizzle in the milk, stirring as you go, to incorporate the flour into the milk and thicken the sauce. Let the sauce bubble for 1 minute, add more salt and pepper to taste (it should be right on the edge of too salty to flavor all the unseasoned asparagus), and turn the heat off the sauce.

Asparagus casserole with ritz crackers unbaked in a casserole dish.

Pour the mixture over the bowl with the asparagus and cheese, and stir to combine everything evenly. Scoop the casserole mixture into a baking dish, and sprinkle the Ritz crackers all over.

Top view of asparagus with Ritz cracker topping.

At this point you can bake the casserole immediately at 375F for 45-50 minutes, or cover the casserole and bake it right when you'd like to serve.

Make Ahead and Leftover Storage

You can make this in advance and bake it on Thanksgiving (or on a Tuesday, whatever), just keep it in the fridge for a few days before you want to eat it. If you're worried about oven space, you can also bake this halfway, for 15 minutes or so, then finish cooking the casserole on the day of your big meal.

Leftovers are really delicious in the fridge for at least 3 days, and can be reheated in the microwave.

PS this works perfectly with broccoli so you could totally double the cheese sauce ingredients and make 2 casseroles that are identical but with different veggies.

White plate with asparagus casserole on blue napkin.

What to Serve with Asparagus Casserole

For a weekend dinner, I'd serve this with a roast chicken and some baked mushroom rice. YUM.

For Thanksgiving, a smoked turkey breast, healthy green bean casserole, baked mashed potatoes (another make ahead dish!), and roasted brussels sprouts are always at the top of my list.

Pro Tip: If you have extra asparagus, it is very very yummy in spring vegetable risotto - cut up a little extra and make it part of your meal prep for both recipes!