Creamy Baked Asparagus Alfredo with Panko Bread Crumbs

Serves 6 in about 45 minutes. The stove brings half and lemon zest together.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs asparagus
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided (or 1 ½ tsp table salt)
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 ½ tablespoons flour
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 ¼ cups grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs

Method

1. Warm Oven to 400° F.
2. Wash the asparagus and cut or break the stems off so the spears fit in the baking dish. About 9" (that should be enough to get the woody part of the stem off).
3. In a sprayed or buttered 9"x13" baking dish, lay the asparagus so every other spear faces the outside of the dish (see photo). Brush the ends and tops with olive oil, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of the salt and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper.
4. In a saucepan over a medium flame, melt 3 Tablespoons of the butter. Beat in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture just starts to turn golden.
5. Beat in the half and half, and keep whisking until mixture thickens.
6. Take off of the heat and whisk in ¾ cup of the parmesan, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of the salt, remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
7. Tip in over the asparagus, leaving the ends exposed (to look fancy). Cook at 400° F for 15 - 20 minutes, depending on how thick the spears are, and how tender you like your asparagus (Make note of the halfway point in the baking time for the breadcrumb topping to go on).
8. Meanwhile, mix the remaining 1 Tbsp of butter (melted) with the bread crumbs and remaining ½ cup of parmesan. Halfway through the baking time, sprinkle the mixture over the sauce. Then continue baking.
9. If you want the bread crumbs more golden, just broil for a few minutes after baking.
10. Plate immediately.

More side dishes ideas are in the side dishes collection.