Mediterranean Creamy Asparagus Bake

🛒 Ingredients

• asparagus – 500g (trimmed)

• olive oil – 2 tbsp

• garlic – 3 cloves (minced)

• sun‑dried tomatoes – ⅓ cup (chopped)

• feta cheese – ½ cup (crumbled)

• mozzarella – ¾ cup (shredded)

• Parmesan – ¼ cup (grated)

• heavy cream – 1 cup

• cream cheese – 100g

• oregano – 1 tsp

• black olives – ¼ cup (sliced)

• lemon zest – 1 tsp

• salt – to taste

• black pepper – ½ tsp

• chili flakes – ½ tsp (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F

2. Grease baking dish with olive oil.

3. Place asparagus, drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil, salt & pepper. Bake 10 min.

4. In a pan heat olive oil, sauté garlic 30 sec.

5. Add sun-dried tomatoes + olives + oregano + chili flakes.

6. Lower heat, add cream + cream cheese + lemon zest + Parmesan. Whisk till smooth.

7. Pour sauce over baked asparagus.

8. Top with mozzarella + feta.

9. Bake 15–18 min till bubbly & golden.

10. Rest 5 min and serve.

❓✅ Q&A

1. Can I make it without heavy cream?

Yes. Replace with:

• Milk + 1 tbsp flour + 1 tbsp butter or

• Greek yogurt (¾ cup) + milk (¼ cup)

2. How do I prevent soggy asparagus?

• Pre bake only 10 min

• Use high heat 375°F/190°C

• Do not overcook before adding sauce

3. Can I add protein?

Great options:

• chicken breast (cooked & cubed)

• shrimp (pre-sautéed)

• tuna (flaked)

4. Is it Keto friendly?

Yes, as is. Just avoid flour-based substitutions.

5. Storage & reheating?

• Fridge: 3 days

• Reheat: 180°C for 8–10 min or microwave 60–90 sec

• Do not freeze (cream sauce may split)

6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

You can, but flavor will be milder. Add 1 tbsp tomato paste + ½ tsp sugar to boost.

7. What to serve it with?

Try:

• pita bread

• garlic rice

• crusty bread

• quinoa

8. How can I make it extra Mediterranean tasting?

Add:

• 1 tsp basil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp extra olive oil drizzle after baking