White Asparagus Vegetable Casserole

This dish is a Cheesy Color Explosion with a Side of Sass. So move over boring beige dinners—there’s a new casserole girl in town, and she’s dressed like it’s headed to a veggie disco. Meet the White Asparagus Vegetable Casserole, the perfect blend of elegant, cheeky, and explosively colorful. If your side dish isn’t fabulous enough to make your guests gasp audibly, are you even trying?

Let’s start with the star: white asparagus.

Unlike its green cousin who spent time sunbathing, white asparagus is grown under soil or blackout tarps to prevent photosynthesis. That’s right—it’s basically the vampire of the vegetable world. But instead of blood, it thrives on mystery and a subtle, nutty flavor. Popular in Europe, especially Germany and the Netherlands, white asparagus is springtime royalty. Festivals are held in its honor. People wear hats. It’s that serious.

But we’re not stopping at subtle. We’re going full rainbow riot to keep things balanced (and Instagrammable) in this White Asparagus Vegetable Casserole. Welcome, purple cauliflower, orange cauliflower, red onion, red carrots, and—wait for it—radishes. Yes, your produce drawer just got a glow-up. Why? Because eating the rainbow isn’t just something leprechauns suggest. It’s a legit nutrition strategy. Each color brings different phytonutrients and antioxidants to the party, from vision-friendly carotenoids in orange veggies to anthocyanins that fight inflammation in the purples. Translation: your body and your dinner guests will thank you.

And now—drumroll, please—enter the sauce for this White Asparagus Vegetable Casserole. This isn’t your grandma’s cream sauce (unless she’s a spicy culinary genius). We’re talking creamy horseradish sauce, smothering every bite with tangy, zesty goodness. It’s bold. It’s brash. And it gets a smooth assist from mild, melt-happy Monterey Jack cheese. Why Monterey Jack? Because when horseradish brings the fire, you want a chill, melty friend to keep the peace.

So, if you’re craving a showstopping side dish that delivers flavor, flair, and a lesson in European vegetable aristocracy, this casserole has your name all over it.

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White Asparagus Vegetable Casserole in Cheesy Horseradish Cream

Course Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine American, German

Keyword cheesy vegetable casserole, cheesy veggies, horseradish cream, vegetarian recipes, Vegetarian side dish

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Servings 8

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 3/4 lb carrots
• 1 cup sliced radishes
• 10 thin white asparagus spears
• 1 large red onion
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup water
• zest of 1 lemon
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup prepared horseradish drained.

Instructions

1. Peel the carrots and cut into quarters lengthwise.
2. Peel the asparagus and cut them in half diagonally.
3. Peel the onions and cut into rings.
4. Heat the butter in a large skillet. Add the onion and stir to coat with the butter.
5. Sauté until transparent.
6. Add the cauliflower, carrots, radishes, and carrots to the skillet.
7. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
8. Add the water, toss to coat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
9. Check the vegetables occasionally. If the pan becomes too dry, add more water, a few tablespoons at a time.
10. Remove the vegetables from the heat.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
12. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream.
13. Add 1 cup of the grated cheese and the sour cream.
14. Mix in the lemon zest and horseradish.
15. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
16. Transfer the vegetables from the saucepan to an 8 X 12-inch casserole dish.
17. Pour the liquid over the vegetables.
18. Distribute the remaining cheese over the top.
19. Bake for 25 minutes.
20. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

So, do you like this White Asparagus Vegetable Casserole? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:

SPRING VEGETABLE BREAD SOUP

CAULIFLOWER, SAGE, RACLETTE FLAMMKUCHEN

WHITE & GREEN ASPARAGUS THYME TART