Asparagus au Gratin: A Perfect Springtime Side Dish

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a light yet indulgent side dish like Asparagus au Gratin? With fresh asparagus and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holiday meals, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just want to add a touch of elegance to your table, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This cheesy Asparagus au Gratin combines the best of spring’s bounty—fresh, crisp asparagus—with a decadent cheese sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, and Fontina or Gruyère. Topped with a little extra Parmesan and sweet paprika, it’s baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness, and it pairs beautifully with your favorite main dishes.

Not only is this recipe a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also super easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for entertaining.

Cheesy Asparagus au Gratin Serves: 8 Ingredients:

• 1 lb asparagus, cleaned and trimmed

• 3 Tbsp butter

• 1 shallot, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded Fontina or Gruyère cheese

Topping:

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp sweet paprika

Instructions:

1. Prep the Asparagus: Start by blanching the asparagus. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the asparagus, and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer the asparagus to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process, then drain on paper towels.

2. Arrange the Asparagus: Place the blanched asparagus in a buttered 13x9-inch baking dish. Make sure the asparagus is evenly spread out so every piece gets coated in that delicious cheese sauce.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a light simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and Fontina (or Gruyère) cheeses, and continue to heat until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is melted.

4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the asparagus in the baking dish. Sprinkle the top with additional Parmesan cheese and sweet paprika for that irresistible golden, bubbly finish.

5. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) and bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time:

• Keep Your Asparagus Fresh: Buy your asparagus a few days before cooking. Trim the bottoms and place the stalks in a glass with 1/2 inch of water. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a light plastic bag, and store in the fridge to keep the asparagus fresh.

• Prep in Advance: Blanch the asparagus and store it in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to assemble. You can also make the cheese sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up on the stovetop before pouring it over the asparagus. When ready to bake, simply assemble and pop it in the oven.

Why Asparagus?

Asparagus is a springtime favorite for a reason. It’s packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and is a natural source of folate. It’s also low in calories, making it a healthy addition to any meal. Combined with the richness of the cheese sauce, asparagus becomes a delicious, flavorful side that you’ll want to serve all season long. Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 240 Total Fat: 20g Total Carbohydrates: 7g Dietary Fiber: 3g Protein: 12g

Crispy Baked Beef Taquitos – Easy & Low-Carb

If you're craving a crunchy, flavorful snack or dinner that's both satisfying and low in carbs, these Baked Beef Taquitos are the perfect solution! Made with seasoned ground beef, low-carb corn tortillas, and a crispy baked finish, they pair beautifully with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. I used 93% lean ground beef, onions, and Primal Palate Taco & Fajita Seasoning (because clean ingredients matter!). Roll it up in low-carb corn tortillas, bake until crispy, and serve with all your favorite dips—salsa, guac, or sour cream. Why You'll Love These Taquitos

✔ Healthier Alternative – Baked, not fried!

✔ Low-Carb & Delicious – Perfect for those craving tacos with a crunch.

✔ Customizable – Add cheese, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce!

Crispy Baked Beef Taquitos – Easy & Low-Carb

Crispy Baked Beef Taquitos – Easy & Low-Carb Ingredients: 1 lb 93% lean ground beef

½ onion, diced

½ cup water

1 packet Primal PalateTaco & Fajita Seasoning (use code: DEBBIE)

12 low-carb corn tortillas (such as Alamadre)

Avocado oil (for brushing or spraying)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Prepare the Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.

3. Add water and taco seasoning, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

4. Soften the Tortillas: To prevent cracking, wrap the low-carb tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm and pliable.

5. Assemble the Taquitos: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake to Crispy Perfection: Lightly brush or spray each taquito with avocado oil to help crisp them up. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

7. Serve & Enjoy! Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, diced avocado, or guacamole.

Oven Roasted Spaghetti Squash: A Healthy, Delicious Noodle Substitute

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pasta, oven roasted spaghetti squash is the way to go. This versatile veggie is the perfect replacement for noodles, offering a light, gluten-free, and low-carb option that fits perfectly into vegetarian, keto, Whole30, and other clean eating plans.

Spaghetti squash is not only a great substitute for pasta, but it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, high in fiber, and low in calories, making it a great addition to any balanced diet. Plus, it’s super easy to make and customizable!

Delicious Ways To Use Roasted Spaghetti Squash:

• Spaghetti Squash Primavera (Toss the roasted spaghetti squash with sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese for a light and healthy pasta alternative).

• Spaghetti Squash Alfredo (For a creamy, comforting dish, top your roasted squash with a keto-friendly or Whole30-compliant alfredo sauce. You can make a simple sauce by blending coconut milk, garlic, and nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor), or use a traditional cream-based sauce if not restricted by your diet).

• Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs (Pair the roasted squash with homemade meatballs (or meatless balls) and a sugar-free marinara sauce. This classic combo is the perfect way to enjoy a pasta-like meal without the carbs).

• Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry (Use the squash as a base for an Asian-inspired stir-fry. Toss it with sautéed veggies, like carrots, bell peppers, and onions, along with a soy sauce or coconut aminos glaze. Add a protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal).

• Spaghetti Squash Pesto (Mix roasted spaghetti squash with a creamy pesto made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan. This vibrant dish can be served as a side or topped with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein).

• Spaghetti Squash Casserole (Combine the roasted spaghetti squash with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, eggs, and your choice of herbs (like basil or oregano) for a cheesy casserole. Bake until golden and bubbly for a comforting, low-carb meal).

Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Oven Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients:

1 medium spaghetti squash

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fresh herbs, or parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the squash: Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds using a spoon.

3. Season: Drizzle olive oil over the flesh of the squash halves, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, Italian seasoning, etc.).

4. Roast: Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Roast in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

5. Shred the "noodles": Once the squash has cooled slightly, use a fork to scrape the flesh. You'll be amazed at how the squash forms delicate, noodle-like strands!

6. Serve: The spaghetti squash can be served on its own or topped with your favorite sauce, sautéed vegetables, or even a protein of your choice. For an extra touch, sprinkle with parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
   

Nutritional Information: (For 1 Cup Serving)Calories: 42 kcal Protein: 1g Fat: 0.5g Carbohydrates: 10g Fiber: 2.2g