– Fresh asparagus – Lemon juice – Unsalted butter – All purpose flour – Cream cheese – 2% milk – Parmesan cheese – Garlic powder

1

Arrange asparagus in the bottom of the dish; squeeze lemon juice on top and toss to evenly coat.

2

In a saucepan, melt butter on medium heat. Add flour to the melted butter and stir vigorously.

3

Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese and milk. Melt the cream cheese, stirring often.

4

Add Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, bacon, and black pepper. Stir on low heat, bringing to a gentle simmer.

5

Pour sauce over asparagus, sprinkle the top of the casserole with fried onions or crushed cracker crumbs.

6

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cracker crumbs are golden brown.