Prepare to transform the humble asparagus into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This French-inspired Asparagus Gratin with Lemon is not just a side dish – it's a creamy, crispy, and utterly irresistible experience that elevates vegetables to gourmet status. With a golden breadcrumb crust, rich Gruyère cheese, and a bright burst of lemon, this recipe turns simple asparagus into a show-stopping dish that's both elegant and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the tough woody ends by holding each spear and snapping at the natural breaking point, which removes the fibrous bottom portion.
- Blanch the asparagus in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer the asparagus to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant color.
- Pat the blanched asparagus dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, grated Gruyère cheese, lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Arrange the blanched asparagus in a single layer in a buttered gratin dish or shallow baking pan, ensuring the spears are evenly distributed.
- Pour the cream and cheese mixture evenly over the asparagus, making sure each spear is lightly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs uniformly across the top of the asparagus to create a crispy golden crust.
- Place the gratin dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cream is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the gratin to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired. The gratin pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a standalone vegetable side dish.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Select firm, bright green asparagus with tight, compact tips. The fresher the asparagus, the more flavor and texture you'll achieve.
- Blanching Technique: Don't skip the blanching step! This crucial process ensures your asparagus is perfectly tender-crisp and maintains its vibrant green color.
- Dry Thoroughly: After blanching, make sure to pat the asparagus completely dry. Excess moisture can prevent the breadcrumbs from getting that perfect golden crunch.
- Cheese Selection: While Gruyère is traditional, you can experiment with similar hard cheeses like Comté or aged Parmesan for slight variations in flavor.
- Breadcrumb Tip: For extra flavor, mix your breadcrumbs with a little melted butter or herbs before sprinkling on top.
- Serving Suggestion: This gratin is versatile – serve it as a luxurious side dish or add some protein like grilled chicken or fish to make it a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate for a few hours. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 203kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
