Imagine a dish that combines the crisp freshness of asparagus, the hearty comfort of potatoes, and a blanket of melted golden cheese that'll make your mouth water instantly. This Cheesy Asparagus and Potato Bake is not just a side dish—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim off the tough woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into approximately 1/2-inch cubes. Ensure the potato pieces are roughly uniform in size for consistent cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes and asparagus pieces. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour the milk over the vegetable mixture, ensuring all pieces are lightly coated. This will help create a creamy texture during baking.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the vegetables, covering the entire surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or light vegetarian main course. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Tips
- For the best texture, make sure your potato cubes are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for a more authentic, richer flavor.
- Don't overcook the dish—check the potatoes with a fork around the 25-minute mark to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
