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Easy Asparagus Gratin with Lemon is the perfect cheesy side dish! This dish is so versatile and can be served alongside a holiday dinner or whipped together quickly for a weeknight accompaniment to beef or chicken! Your family will love the bright flavors of this gratin!

A close up of Asparagus Gratin

Amanda here from Old House to New Home, sharing one of my favorite “fancy” side dish recipes. This dish looks impressive, but couldn’t be easier. I serve this side dish almost every Easter dinner and everyone always gobbles it up!

Lemon and asparagus are a natural flavor combination. Add swiss cheese to the mix and you have an amazing side dish recipe!

A close up of Asparagus Gratin

Here are a couple tips for making the perfect Asparagus Gratin with Lemon

  • Use thin asparagus. Since you aren’t steaming the asparagus beforehand, you want pencil-thin asparagus so it roasts in the oven.
  • For any recipe when you are melting cheese, shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has wax on it to keep it from sticking in the bag and that interferes with the melting process! You will get a smoother sauce with freshly shredded cheese.

A close up of Asparagus Gratin

This is the perfect holiday recipe or anytime you are short on time because it can be assembled completely ahead of time and just baked when you are ready to serve. No rushing around at dinner time, just throw it in the oven and let it get all roasted and cheesy!

A close up of Asparagus Gratin

Once this comes out of the oven, I garnish it with lemon zest right on top of the breadcrumbs. The fresh flavor brightens the entire dish and despite it being a cheesy casserole, it tastes light and fresh and perfect for springtime! Make sure to wait to add the lemon zest or you will “break” your cheese sauce from the acidity.

When you are craving comfort food, but also need some fresh veggies in your life, this Asparagus Gratin with Lemon will definitely satisfy your cravings!

Recipe
A close up of Asparagus Gratin

Asparagus Gratin with Lemon

5
Easy Asparagus Gratin with Lemon is the perfect cheesy side dish! This dish is so versatile and your family will love the bright flavors of this gratin!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pencil-thin asparagus
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded swiss cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
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Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Spread asparagus in a single layer in casserole dish. Spread olive oil over asparagus and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk until well combined. Let cook for 1 minute. Add milk and whisk well. Continue to cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thickened, about 5-6 minutes. Add remaining salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Remove from heat and add half the swiss cheese. Whisk until melted. Pour mixture over the middle of the asparagus. Sprinkle breadcrumbs, remaining swiss cheese, and parmesan cheese over the asparagus. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and brown. Remove from oven and garnish with lemon zest.

Notes

Make sure and use thin asparagus. If you can only find thicker spears, go ahead and peel off some of the bottoms. This makes them easier to eat as well. No matter what size, ensure they are all about the same thickness so they cook evenly.
Keyword asparagus, asparagus gratin

Nutrition

Calories: 737kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 94gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 268mgSodium: 772mgPotassium: 1657mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1673IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 385mgIron: 6mg

Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of "Yellow Bliss Road" is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.

Try these other family favorite side dishes!

Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Bacon Breadcrumbs

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Syrian Green Beans in Tomato Sauce

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Balsamic and Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots

A close up of roasted carrots

Try these other yummy asparagus recipes too!

A close up of Asparagus Gratin

Amanda

Amanda blogs at Old House to New Home where she shares easy ways to eat, create, and decorate, all while raising two young girls! Amanda is a Spanish teacher, wife to a great husband, and mommy to the two most beautiful little girls! Amanda loves food, traveling, and transforming their 115 year old house into their home.

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