I am so excited to share this delightful Asparagus Pie with Swiss and Parmesan Cheeses Recipe with you! This dish is a wonderful celebration of spring’s freshest flavors, combining tender asparagus with the nutty, savory notes of Swiss and Parmesan cheeses in a flaky pie crust. Perfectly balanced, it’s a simple yet elegant recipe that makes for an easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping brunch centerpiece. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of my all-time favorites for a fresh, cheesy, and comforting meal all rolled into one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Asparagus Pie with Swiss and Parmesan Cheeses Recipe comes from straightforward, quality ingredients that deliver big on flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the buttery pie crust providing a crisp base, to the vibrant asparagus adding fresh color and a slight crunch, to the duo of cheeses bringing creaminess and depth. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- 1 (9-inch) pie shell, unbaked: A flaky, buttery crust sets the stage for this savory pie.
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces: Use fresh asparagus for the best texture and bright green color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: To lightly sauté the asparagus and bring out its natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Adds a mild, nutty flavor and melts beautifully.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty kick that complements the Swiss cheese wonderfully.
- 3 large eggs, beaten: The eggs bind everything together and create that luscious custard filling.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps to set the custard.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the delicate asparagus.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives a subtle hint of spice that wakes up the dish.
How to Make Asparagus Pie with Swiss and Parmesan Cheeses Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when your pie goes in, it will bake evenly and develop a golden top and perfectly set filling.
Step 2: Cook the Asparagus
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the asparagus pieces for 3 to 5 minutes until they are just tender. This quick cooking process brightens the flavor and softens the asparagus just enough to blend beautifully with the filling, but still retaining a pleasant bite. Once cooked, allow the asparagus to cool slightly before adding to the pie.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese and Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Then stir in both the shredded Swiss cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will serve as the rich custard filling, melding the creamy cheese and egg flavors into one harmonious blend.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Lay out your unbaked pie shell on a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking. Spread the sautéed asparagus evenly across the bottom of the pie shell. Then carefully pour the cheese and egg custard mixture over the asparagus, ensuring it is evenly distributed for consistent cooking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The key here is patience—wait until the filling is fully set and the top is a beautiful light golden color. You want a firm but tender custard and a crust that has that perfect golden crunch.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After removing from the oven, allow your asparagus pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the custard firm up a bit more, making for cleaner slices and an even more delightful eating experience. Then serve warm and enjoy the medley of fluffy cheese, tender asparagus, and crisp crust!
How to Serve Asparagus Pie with Swiss and Parmesan Cheeses Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle some freshly chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil to add a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the pie beautifully. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten each bite as well.
Side Dishes
This asparagus pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a simple tomato salad with basil also make excellent companions, adding juicy, acidic contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this pie in individual mini tart pans for a charming appetizer or brunch option. Alternatively, slice it into wedges and arrange on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh fruit, nuts, and a glass of chilled white wine for an effortlessly elegant spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Asparagus Pie with Swiss and Parmesan Cheeses Recipe leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the pie tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie, but it’s best to do this before baking. Wrap the unbaked pie tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure the filling sets properly.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen asparagus for this pie?
While fresh asparagus is ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus if fresh is unavailable. Be sure to thaw and pat it dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture making the pie soggy.
Is Swiss cheese the only cheese that works in this recipe?
Swiss cheese provides a mild nuttiness that complements the asparagus, but you can experiment with Gruyère or Emmental for a similar taste profile. Just keep the Parmesan to maintain that sharp, salty flavor.
Can I make this pie vegetarian?
This Asparagus Pie with Swiss and Parmesan Cheeses Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, made without any meat or meat-based products. It’s perfect for a hearty, meatless meal option.
What can I do if I don’t have a pie shell?
If you don’t have a pie shell on hand, you can make a crustless version by greasing your pie dish well and baking the filling on its own. The texture will be more like a quiche but just as delicious!
Can I add other vegetables to this pie?
Absolutely! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers to the asparagus mixture for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Asparagus Pie with Swiss and Parmesan Cheeses Recipe will surely become a joyful addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s fresh, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that feel fancy but come together so easily. Whether for a casual dinner or an elegant brunch, this pie never fails to impress and brings a comforting smile to the table. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Asparagus Pie with Swiss and Parmesan Cheeses Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A savory asparagus pie featuring tender asparagus pieces baked in a creamy, cheesy custard inside a flaky pie shell. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a light lunch or brunch and highlights fresh spring asparagus and a blend of Swiss and Parmesan cheeses.
Ingredients
Pie Shell
- 1 (9-inch) pie shell, unbaked
Filling
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the pie.
- Cook Asparagus: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the asparagus pieces. Cook them for 3 to 5 minutes until they become tender but still slightly crisp. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined. Then stir in the shredded Swiss cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the cooked asparagus evenly across the bottom of the unbaked 9-inch pie shell. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the asparagus, distributing it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top turns lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can blind bake the pie shell for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.
- Use fresh asparagus for the best flavor and texture; frozen asparagus is not recommended.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or dill for additional flavor.
- Substitute milk with half-and-half or cream for a richer filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
