Creamy Asparagus Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 pounds asparagus (2 bunches)
02 - 8 ounces cream cheese
03 - ½ cup heavy cream
04 - ¼ tsp salt
05 - ¼ tsp black pepper, more for serving
06 - ½ tsp Italian seasoning
07 - ½ tsp dried onion
08 - 1 garlic clove, pressed or grated
09 - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
11 - ¾ cup grated Gruyère cheese

→ Optional Toppings

12 - ¼ tsp chili flakes
13 - ⅓ cup crumbled cooked bacon

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C)
02 - Snap off the ends of the asparagus to remove the woody parts
03 - In a bowl, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, dried onion, grated garlic, Parmesan and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed
04 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place asparagus on sheet with tips facing same direction. Pack them down to create a flat, even surface
05 - Spoon cream cheese mixture over arranged asparagus, leaving tips exposed. Sprinkle with Gruyère cheese, black pepper, and chili flakes if using
06 - Transfer to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and asparagus is tender-crisp
07 - Top with crumbled bacon if desired and serve immediately

# Notes:

01 - Can be made up to a day ahead and reheated
02 - Look for asparagus spears of similar thickness for even cooking
03 - Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing