Ham and Asparagus Au Gratin Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
• STEP 2.In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
• STEP 3.In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
• STEP 4.Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• STEP 5.Place half of the ham in the greased baking dish. Top with half of the asparagus and half of the cheese sauce. Repeat the layers.
• STEP 6.In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the dish.
• STEP 7.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• STEP 8.Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Tips

• You can use leftover ham or purchase pre-cooked ham for this recipe.
• If you prefer a more tender asparagus, blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• For a cheesy crust, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top of the breadcrumb mixture before baking.

Storage and Serving

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Serve the Ham and Asparagus Au Gratin as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• It also makes a great side dish for roasted chicken or grilled steak.