Asparagus Puff Ring (Asparagus Cream Puff Ring)
Taste of Home
Every spring when I make this family-favorite entree. I'm struck by how impressive it looks. Ham and asparagus in a creamy sauce are pile high in a cheesy cream puff shell. It's delicious and deceivingly simple to prepare!
—Shirley De Lange, Byron Center, Michigan
SERVINGS: 6
CATEGORY: Main Dish
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 35 min.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup water
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- FILLING:
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1-1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups diced fully cooked ham
Directions:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring water and butter to a boil. Add flour and salt all at once; stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each; beat until smooth. Stir in 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
Using 1/4 cupfuls of dough, form a ring around the sides of a greased 10-in. quiche pan or pie plate (mounds should touch). Top with the remaining cheese. Bake at 400° for 35 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook asparagus in a small amount of water for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until blended. Gradually add milk; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; add cheeses and stir until melted.
Stir in ham and asparagus; spoon into ring. Serve immediately. Yield: 6 servings.