7 White asparagus recipes

White asparagus season stretches only over a brief period of time, so let us embrace it wholeheartedly when it arrives. The white spears have a way of making buttery sauces even better, turning soups into something worth slowing down for, and giving classic recipes that once-a-year kind of appeal.

So, while it is here, we are making the most of it with our absolute favourite recipes. Stick around; you will want to try them too.

The most popular recipes with white asparagus

White asparagus deserves a proper spot in the kitchen, and we have plenty of ways to make that happen. From pan-fried white spears to rich, creamy soups and ragouts, these recipes cover all the best ways to savour this seasonal gem. Whether you are after something crisp and golden or smooth and comforting, we have you covered.

White asparagus recipes with meat

Explore our favourite white asparagus recipes with meat and see just how well they work together. These two elements are all about contrast, with the veggie bringing a mild, slightly nutty flavour and the meat adding a salty, more robust punch.

Now it is your turn to try it for yourself, and we are pretty sure that once you start making these, they will earn a regular spot in your weekly menu.

Asparagus with ham

Asparagus with ham is a classic dinner choice, loved for its simple ingredients and comforting flavours. In this recipe, tender and delicately sweet asparagus meets potatoes' soft, earthy bite. Then comes thinly sliced ham, introducing a savoury depth with its salty edge.

Everything is draped in a silky hollandaise sauce, adding buttery richness and a slight tang from the lemon. A handful of chives on top brightens the plate, making this a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Asparagus cordon bleu

Our asparagus cordon bleu puts a fresh spin on the classic, where we swap out the meat for delicate white spears. Wrapped in savoury ham and creamy Gouda cheese, these bundles of deliciousness are coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. The result is a pleasant crunch on the outside, with a delectable gooey centre. 

Easy white asparagus recipes

Of course, white asparagus is incredibly tasty, but that is only one of its features. It has an endless list of pros, with two standing out the most.

The first is how quickly it cooks, and the second is how easy it is to handle, making it perfect for simple yet flavoursome meals. That is precisely what you will find in our recipes below, whether you are on the hunt for a leisurely lunch on a sunny summer day or a quick appetiser for your guests.

Pan-fried white asparagus

Enjoy the simplicity of pan-fried white asparagus, gently sautéed in butter until golden. The spears develop a delicate caramelised exterior while remaining perfectly tender within. A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives offers a subtle onion-like freshness, while a drizzle of lemon juice adds a citrusy accent that highlights the natural sweetness of the dish.

Pasta with white asparagus

Indulge in pasta with white asparagus, where tender pasta meets cooking cream in a silky-smooth sauce. Gently toasted pine nuts develop a buttery and nutty flavour, introducing a delicate crunch, while cooked ham brings a savoury depth. Enjoy a creamy comfort food recipe that makes excellent use of the sweetness of the white asparagus.

White asparagus with hollandaise sauce

Experience the iconic combination of asparagus with hollandaise sauce, a meal that remains a favourite year after year. Tender white asparagus has an earthy sweetness that holds its own against the sauce's richness.

The hollandaise coats each spear with its deliciously creamy texture, while a splash of lemon juice gives it a zesty lift. A pinch of white pepper blends into the sauce, leaving a gentle, slow-building warmth and rounding off every element in a well-balanced finish.

White asparagus soups and ragout

White asparagus works well in a lot of different types of dishes, but we simply cannot resist its appeal in warm and comforting creamy recipes. Whether blended into a smooth soup or simmered into a rich ragout, it takes on a whole new character, one that is just as irresistible.

Asparagus soup made from asparagus water

Our recipe for asparagus soup made from asparagus water is a brilliant way to maximise the delicate flavour of white spears. By using cooking water as the base, the soup captures every nuance of the vegetable’s subtle sweetness.

A classic roux of butter and flour creates a velvety consistency, cooking cream provides a luscious finish, and a pinch of nutmeg gives it a nutty and warm character. Tender pieces of asparagus complete the soup, giving a lovely bite to every spoonful of creamy soup.

Asparagus soup from peel

Our asparagus soup from peel is a clever way to use every part of the asparagus. Simmered with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, the peelings create a delicate broth that carries the essence of the earthy white vegetable.

The soup is then blended with a classic roux of butter and flour to thicken it, while a splash of milk brings a lush creaminess. The result is a tasty soup that is light and rich at the same time, making it a fantastic choice for any time of the year.

Asparagus ragout

Enjoy a comforting bowl of asparagus ragout, where white and green asparagus simmer in a creamy sauce. The mild sweetness of the white stalks blends with the fresh, slightly earthy bite of the green ones, while butter-sautéed onions create a rich, savoury base. Cream and a splash of asparagus cooking water give the sauce an exceptionally smooth, velvety consistency, inviting you to dig in.

Learn more about cooking with asparagus

By now, you hopefully feel inspired to make the most of this versatile vegetable. It does not matter if you are already a fan of asparagus or new to cooking with it, there is always more to discover. For those keen to learn everything there is to know about the vegetable, our guide to all you need to know about asparagus is your go-to resource. You will find everything from its history to how to store it properly.

If you want to dive deeper into cooking with asparagus, we have plenty of great resources to help you out. Check out our article on the best ways to prepare asparagus for expert tips and techniques, or browse through our asparagus recipes for a wide variety of delicious ideas.

And if you are looking for even more inspiration, do not miss our green asparagus recipes, because, let us face it, green asparagus is a whole different world of flavour to explore!