In this baked asparagus recipe, tender-crisp asparagus spears are smothered with a creamy cheese sauce, then the casserole is topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Blanching the asparagus first in boiling water helps preserve its vibrant green color. Medium-thick asparagus spears work best for this recipe. If your asparagus spears are very thick, they may need…

By Diane Rossen Worthington From Tribune Content Agency While I love creamy, soft sliced potatoes layered with cheese and cream, I have also learned to love simpler, healthier potato gratins. This gratin is full of rustic flavor without the need for heavy cream since it relies on vegetables, fresh herbs and cheese for its zesty…

As the saying goes, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. I agree with this philosophy, but with one caveat: You can always add more cheese—especially when making a potato gratin. Potato gratin is a cheese lover’s gift, with ultrathin layers of sliced potatoes blanketed in oozing cheese, cream, and, yes, more cheese. It’s a…

If you’re looking for a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish for a hearty holiday meal, look no further than a broccoli casserole. The classic, popular veggie gets a makeover by being combined with melted cheese, bread crumbs and rice. Believe it or not, there are plenty of amazing dishes you can make from frozen…

While the final months of summer come to a close, you’re likely already thinking of all of the comfort foods you can make on cold days. The most versatile option of all is Buffalo chicken casserole, which can be served for weeknight dinners, game days and more. Layers of shredded chicken, melted cheese, golden brown hash browns…

Some of you may know this as Tater Tot casserole, but you’re wrong. OK, OK, that was a bit harsh. I can get possessive of my hot dish, all right? This recipe is based on how I had it growing up, with the exception of the cheese sauce. You might think it odd, but if…

You’ll love the flavors in this satisfying side dish. The onion adds to the slight sweetness of the celery root, while the Gruyere adds to its nuttiness. This is a decadent dish that smells delicious and comforting as it bakes. Just be sure to let it rest after it comes out of the oven. Cooling…

Bread and butter pudding is the quintessential leftovers-turned-comfort-food dish. Made using any type of leftover stale bread, cheese, and add-ins you have on hand, it’s the perfect end-of-the-week dish, as you can clean out all the odds and ends from the refrigerator. I love it made with crispy bacon, but boiled ham is delicious, too….

If creamy pasta makes you weak in the knees, white lasagna is going to be right up your alley. You’ve got to try it. Unlike lasagnas made with marinara, here, you won’t find a drop of red sauce in sight. You’ll find layers of hearty pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, Italian sausage crumbles, and an entire pound…

Submitted by E. M. McCreight (grandchild No. 1), Springfield, Virginia Every September, when the garden overflowed with tomatoes and green peppers, my German-born grandmother would gather the family, including us seven grandchildren, for a dinner of homemade “sacumpach.” We kids picked out the best parts of the casserole (does anyone like green peppers as a…