Asparagus Gratin with Lemon Breadcrumbs

This yummy Asparagus Gratin with Lemon Breadcrumbs is a delicious cheesy side dish recipe! This asparagus recipe is so versatile and can be served alongside a holiday dinner or whipped together quickly for a weeknight accompaniment to beef or chicken! If you don’t think you like asparagus, this easy recipe will change your mind!

Asparagus Gratin with Lemon Breadcrumbs is my go to asparagus season side dish recipe! Lemon pairs so well with asparagus and when you add swiss cheese to the mix, you get a side dish, bursting with spring flavors! I know it doesn’t feel like Spring in most of the country, but at least we can eat spring foods, right?

Here are a few tips for making the perfect Asparagus Gratin with Lemon Breadcrumbs. Use thin asparagus. Since you aren’t steaming the asparagus beforehand, you want pencil thin asparagus so it roasts in the oven.  My other tip for this recipe, and for any recipe when you are melting cheese, is to 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.

This is the perfect holiday recipe and  I have made it for both Easter and Christmas, in the past. 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!

Once this comes out of the oven, I garnish it with lemon zest right on top of the bread crumbs. 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 Breadcrumbs will definitely satisfy your cravings!

Want to make the most out of asparagus season? Try these asparagus recipes!

Cheesy Asparagus Squares

Ham and Asparagus Strata

Roasted Asparagus and Tomato Pasta with Toasted Breadcrumbs, Garlic, and Olive Oil

Shaved Asparagus Grilled Pizza

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Asparagus Gratin with Lemon Breadcrumbs

An easy asparagus side dish recipe with layers of roasted asparagus, swiss cheese, and lemon breadcrumbs. 

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 people

Author Amanda @ Old House to New Home

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

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Spread asparagus in a single layer in casserole dish. Spread olive oil over asparagus and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. 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.
4. 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.