Cheesy Bacon & Asparagus Casserole Recipe

• 6 strips bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded white cheddar, divided

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère, divided

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed1 cup crushed Ritz Crackers

Instruction

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, 10 minutes.
3. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. 
4. Drain all but a 1/4 cup of grease from pan.
5. Return to same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. 
6. Add flour and stir until golden, 2 minutes.
7. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
8. Let simmer until thickened, 5 minutes. 
9. Add ½ cup each of cheddar and Gruyère, stir until melted.
10. Add bacon back to sauce and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
11. Place asparagus in a 9"x13" baking pan and pour sauce over.
12. Top with remaining ½ cup each of both cheeses and crushed Ritz Crackers.
13. Cover with foil and bake until asparagus is tender, 20 minutes. 
14. Remove foil and bake until cheese is melty, 10 additional minutes.