Ingredients
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cooking spray
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2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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2 tablespoons minced shallot
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2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
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2 cups half and half
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1 cup loosely packed shredded Havarti cheese
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2 teaspoons lemon zest, plus more for garnish
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1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
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½ cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz®)
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1/2 cup sliced almonds
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1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
Directions
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Gather all ingredients.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Trim asparagus to fit in the baking dish crosswise and place in an even layer into the dish. Set aside.
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Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring often, until shallots are softened, about 3 minutes.
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Add flour and cook, stirring constantly to incorporate thoroughly, until it smells slightly nutty, about 2 minutes.
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Whisk in half and half and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 3 minutes.
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Remove from heat and whisk in Havarti cheese, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon salt.
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Pour sauce evenly over the center of the asparagus in the dish, leaving the tips and ends of asparagus exposed. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
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Meanwhile, place remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on HIGH until just melted, about 30 seconds. Add crackers, almonds, dill and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; toss to coat mixture evenly in the melted butter.
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After asparagus has baked for 10 minutes, sprinkle cracker mixture over the center of the asparagus.
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Return to the oven and bake until asparagus is just tender and cracker mixture is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
349 | Calories |
28g | Fat |
16g | Carbs |
13g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings Per Recipe 6 | |
Calories 349 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 28g | 35% |
Saturated Fat 14g | 72% |
Cholesterol 67mg | 22% |
Sodium 465mg | 20% |
Total Carbohydrate 16g | 6% |
Dietary Fiber 4g | 16% |
Total Sugars 6g | |
Protein 13g | 26% |
Vitamin C 14mg | 15% |
Calcium 286mg | 22% |
Iron 2mg | 11% |
Potassium 546mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.