Cheesy Baked Asparagus with Gruyere, Garlic, and Bacon Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Baked Asparagus with Gruyere, garlic, and bacon is a delicious and easy side dish that combines tender asparagus with savory flavors. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion and guaranteed to please cheese and bacon lovers alike.

Ingredients

• 1 lb asparagus
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese (or Parmesan), shredded
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Trim the tough ends from the asparagus and place the spears in a medium-size casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the asparagus.
3. Step 3: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyere cheese over the asparagus, then add the chopped cooked bacon. Top with the remaining cheese.
5. Step 5: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
6. Step 6: Note that asparagus thickness affects cooking time—thin stalks cook faster, while thicker ones need more time. Adjust baking time according to your preferred texture, whether soft or crisp.

Tips & Variations

• For a sharper flavor, use Parmesan cheese instead of Gruyere.
• Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
• Make sure the asparagus is evenly coated with olive oil to help the garlic and cheese stick well.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the cheese’s melty texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent the asparagus from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the asparagus with garlic, cheese, and bacon in the casserole dish and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?

Gruyere can be substituted with other meltable cheeses like Parmesan, Fontina, or Mozzarella depending on your taste preference. Parmesan will give a nuttier and sharper note, while Mozzarella will be milder and creamier.

Cheesy Baked Asparagus with Gruyere, Garlic, and Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 137 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Asparagus recipe combines tender asparagus spears with savory Gruyere cheese, garlic, and crispy bacon, baked to perfection. It’s a delicious and easy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed

Seasonings and Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

• 1 cup Gruyere cheese (or Parmesan), shredded

Meat

• 5 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the asparagus evenly.
2. Prepare Asparagus: Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and place the spears in a medium-size casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the asparagus.
3. Initial Bake: Bake the asparagus uncovered in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This step softens the asparagus slightly and infuses the garlic flavor.
4. Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyere cheese over the asparagus, then evenly distribute the chopped cooked bacon on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over everything.
5. Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt nicely and the bacon flavor to meld with the asparagus.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey. Adjust cooking times depending on the thickness of your asparagus and your preferred doneness—thinner spears need less time, thicker spears more.

Notes

• Thinner asparagus spears cook faster; reduce baking time accordingly.
• Thicker asparagus spears may require additional baking time for tenderness.
• For a twist, substitute Gruyere with Parmesan or another preferred melting cheese.
• Bacon can be replaced with a vegetarian substitute for a meatless version, though flavor will vary.
• Serve immediately for the best melty cheese texture.

Keywords: Asparagus recipe, baked asparagus, cheesy asparagus, Gruyere cheese, bacon recipe, easy vegetable side dish, garlic asparagus