Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2

Butter or spray a 2-quart baking dish.

Step 3

Steam asparagus lightly and cut into pieces about 2" to 2 1/2" long. Put it in the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 4

Slice the hard-cooked eggs and layer them on top of the asparagus. Add seasoned salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5

Make the white sauce by melting 1/4 cup of butter in a heavy saucepan. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook until it's bubbly and well blended. Gradually add two cups of milk and constantly whisk until you achieve the desired gravy-like consistency. If it gets too thick, thin it with a little milk or cream.

Step 6

Spoon the sauce over the eggs and asparagus and work it in with a rubber spatula.

Step 7

Grate 1 cup (or more if you like) of sharp cheddar cheese and scatter it over the casserole. Add parsley if you want for color.

Step 8

Pulse the bread in a food processor until crumbs form. Add butter and continue to pulse until the butter is all incorporated.

Step 9

Sprinkle buttered crumbs on top of the cheese.

Step 10

Bake for about 20 to 30 minutes or until cheese is melty and lightly browned. The crumbs should also look toasty brown.