Description
This Asparagus au Gratin recipe features tender asparagus spears smothered in a rich, creamy Gruyere cheese sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting and elegant side dish perfect for spring or any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Cheese & Oil
- 3 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Asparagus: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the trimmed asparagus in an 8×8 inch baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a couple pinches of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large sauté pan over medium-low to low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning or browning the garlic.
- Create Roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring frequently to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, rubbed sage, and add a couple large pinches of salt and cracked pepper. Cook the mixture for a couple of minutes until it warms through and thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded Gruyere cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Assemble for Baking: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the asparagus in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Gruyere cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the top cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful side dish alongside your favorite main courses.
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Notes
- Use fresh asparagus for best results; thinner stalks will cook more quickly.
- Gruyere cheese adds a nutty and creamy flavor, but you can substitute with Swiss or Emmental cheese if unavailable.
- Adjust the seasoning of the cheese sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- To make this dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- The dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Serve as a side dish for spring meals, holiday dinners, or elegant weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
