Asparagus and Mascarpone Gratin with Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Serves 4

by Allison Ehri Kreitler
from Fine Cooking
Issue 116
Last Edit Date: 2/28/2012 2:46:13 PM

This simple yet decadent dish is easy enough to make on a weeknight but special enough (and easily doubled) for a weekend dinner party. Look for mascarpone, an Italian-style cream cheese, in the cheese section of most supermarkets.

more about:

1 lb. asparagus, trimmed of tough woody stems and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
1-1/2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
5 oz. mascarpone
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

Position a rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. In a 2-quart gratin dish, toss the asparagus with the onion, 1/2 Tbs. of the olive oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Broil until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss the breadcrumbs with the Parmigiano-Reggiano, remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil, and 1/8 tsp. pepper.

Dollop the mascarpone in little spoonfuls over the asparagus, sprinkle with the nutmeg, and top with the breadcrumb mixture. Broil until bubbly and golden-brown, about 2 minutes more. Serve.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 280; Fat (g): 24; Fat Calories (kcal): 220; Saturated Fat (g): 11; Protein (g): 8; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 9; Carbohydrates (g): 11; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1.5; Sodium (mg): 320; Cholesterol (mg): 50; Fiber (g): 3;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by Bagni, 4/14/2013Outrageously easy! Outrageously tasty! Shallot for sure.

by Kohola, 12/20/2012This is delicious and unique! I skimped on the mascarpone, and next time I will add more; it'll be even better!

by Chef_Emma, 6/18/2012I used this recipe as a side dish for the BBQ Flank stake and everyone complimented it and had seconds! Very easy to make. This is a repeat recipe for me.

by sabs, 5/17/2012Absolutely delicious! Creamy and cheesy! My husband and I went crazy for it.

by DerekF, 4/7/2012What a great way to enjoy asparagus! It's very quick and easy, and so delicious.

by foodie4u, 3/29/2012Oh my. Super simple and oh.so.goooood. Made it tonight in advance of Easter dinner to test its table worthiness. Definitely holiday table worthy! Mascarpone is the deal breaker - no substitutes. But I will sub shallots for the onion next go around.

by kourkoutaki, 3/21/2012i loved it!!!delicious warm salad!!!