Description
This Asparagus Gratin recipe transforms fresh asparagus into a rich and creamy side dish topped with melted fontina and Parmesan cheeses. With a blend of garlic, shallots, and whole-grain mustard in a luscious cream sauce, then baked and broiled to golden perfection, it offers a decadent and flavorful way to enjoy this spring vegetable.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb. medium-size fresh asparagus, trimmed (1 bunch)
- 1 large (2 oz.) shallot, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp.)
Dairy & Cheese
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 oz. fontina cheese, shredded (about 1 cup), divided
- 1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup)
Pantry
- 1 tsp. whole-grain mustard
- 1 tsp. all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients listed to ensure easy workflow while cooking.
- Preheat Oven and Arrange Asparagus: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) with the rack positioned about 6 inches from the heat source. Toss together the trimmed asparagus and thinly sliced shallot in a 10-inch broiler-safe skillet or an 8-inch square broiler-safe baking dish.
- Mix Cream Sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together the heavy cream, whole-grain mustard, all-purpose flour, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and half a cup of shredded fontina cheese until well combined.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the asparagus and shallots. Using tongs, gently toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with the cream sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top, followed by the remaining half cup of shredded fontina cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the cheese is melted.
- Broil for Golden Finish: Increase the oven temperature to broil and broil the gratin for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving as a rich, cheesy side dish.
Notes
- Make sure to use a broiler-safe dish to safely broil the cheese topping.
- Adjust kosher salt and black pepper based on your taste preferences.
- Fontina cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture; if unavailable, substitute with mozzarella or Gruyère.
- Use fresh asparagus trimmed of woody ends for best texture and flavor.
- Keep a close eye during broiling as cheese can burn quickly under high heat.
