Asparagus Casserole

Only 172 calories, this Asparagus Casserole with a cheese sauce is an unbeatable combination and can be served for any occasion. You can bake it in 50 minutes or microwave it in only 20 minutes. Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 lb cooked fresh asparagus or 2 cans long asparagus spears
4 hard boiled eggs, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup milk
1 cup grated Amercan cheese
2/3 soft breadcrumbs
Sliced red peppers (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat stir in flour, season with salt and pepper and stir constantly. Whisk in milk gradually until smooth and thickens. Stir in the cheese. Spray a 8x10 -inch baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray. Add in 1/2 of the soft breadcrumbs to the bottom of the baking dish. Then layer asparagus, eggs, cheese sauce and breadcrumbs. Repeat making at least 2 layers. Bake 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Yum Yum!

Microwave Instructions:
In a 1qt microwave safe dish melt the butter on high power 30-60 seconds. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Whisk in milk and microwave on high 3-5 minutes until thickens (whisk every 2 minutes). Stir in cheese and blend well. (Microwave on high 30 seconds, if needed to melt cheese)

Snap off tough ends from asparagus and wash in cold water. Pour 1/2 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon salt into a 12x8 -inch microwave dish then add the asparagus, cover with plastic wrap and microwave high 6 minutes, rearrange half way.

Spray an 8x10 -inch baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs in the bottom of the dish. Layer asparagus, eggs, cheese sauce and breadcrumbs. Repeat, making at least two layers. Microwave on MEDIUM power for 5-8 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately.