Cheesy Baked Asparagus Gratin

Cheesy Baked Asparagus Gratin (Mediterranean Style)

🧺 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 500 g (1 lb) asparagus, trimmed

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper

Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup crumbled feta

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tsp fresh thyme or oregano, chopped

Topping

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs or panko

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

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🔥 Instructions

1. Prep the Asparagus
   Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
   Lightly oil a baking dish.
   Arrange asparagus in a single layer, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Sauce
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil.
   Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Pour in cream and gently simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
   Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, feta, nutmeg, and herbs.
   Remove from heat.

3. Assemble
   Pour cheese sauce evenly over asparagus.
   Toss breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan, then sprinkle on top.

4. Bake
   Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
   For extra browning, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.

5. Rest & Serve
   Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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🫒 Mediterranean Serving Ideas

• Serve with grilled fish or lemon chicken

• Pair with roasted lamb or kofta

• Add to a mezze-style vegetable spread

• Finish with lemon zest or chili flakes

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💡 Chef Tips

• Blanch asparagus 2 minutes first for extra tenderness

• Use Gruyère or kasseri instead of mozzarella for depth

• For a lighter version, swap half the cream for Greek yogurt

Creamy, herbaceous, and irresistibly cheesy—this gratin turns simple asparagus into a Mediterranean showstopper ✨