Asparagus Casserole

Ingredients

8 slices bacon cut into small pieces
3 lbs asparagus spears trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

For the sauce:
1 small onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

For the topping:
¼ cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic minced
1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for moistening breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. Cook the bacon until crispy, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once crispy, remove the cooked bacon using a slotted spoon, leaving behind two tablespoons of the fat in the skillet.

Add the chopped onion to the same skillet with the bacon fat. Cook the onion until it softens and becomes translucent.
Once the onion is softened, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and set aside.

Quickly blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 1 minute, then transfer it to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.

For the adjusted sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and cook until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then stir in Parmesan cheese until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in the cooked bacon and onion. Season with salt and pepper.

Arrange blanched asparagus in the greased baking dish and pour the adjusted sauce evenly over the top.

Create the topping by combining breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, and parsley. Sprinkle the mixture over the sauce.

Bake the casserole uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the asparagus is tender, the topping is golden, and the sauce bubbles.

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this irresistible dish bursting with flavor!