Cheesy Bacon Asparagus Casserole

Just like I did with Thanksgiving I am bringing you non

traditional sides for Christmas; think you'll give any of them a try?

I believe I am going to make this one! This recipe serves 6.

What you'll need:

6 strips of bacon cut into 1' pieces

2 minced garlic cloves

1/4c flour

1 1/2c milk

1/2c heavy cream

1c shredded white cheddar, divided

1c shredded gruyere, divided

kosher salt

black pepper

crushed red pepper flakes

1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed

1c crushed ritz crackers.

Create:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, in a large skillet over

medium heat, cook bacon until crispy for about 10 minutes.

Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper

towel lined plate. Drain all but a 1/4c of grease from the pan.

To the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add flour and stir until golden, about 2 minutes. Slowly pour in

milk and cream, whisking until smooth. Let simmer until thickened,

about 5 minutes. Add 1/2c of each cheese and stir until melted.

Add bacon back to sauce and season with salt and pepper and a

pinch of red pepper flakes.

Place asparagus in a 9"x13" baking pan and pour sauce over,

then top with remaining cheese and crushed crackers.

Cover with foil and bake until asparagus is tender, about 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake until the cheese is melted for about

10 more minutes. Serve hot.