Green Bean Casserole

The Green Bean Casserole has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. Every Thanksgiving, as the leaves begin to paint the ground in hues of orange and gold, I can already hear the clamor of pots and pans in the kitchen. The oven’s warm embrace fills the house with the comforting aroma of bubbling cream and sautéed mushrooms. It’s that special dish that brings everyone together, evoking memories of laughter, stories shared, and the joy of togetherness. My favorite part? The crispy fried onions on top, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender green beans and creamy sauce. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition that I love to recreate year after year.

What to Buy for Green Bean Casserole

When it comes to making the Green Bean Casserole, selecting the right ingredients is key. This dish combines fresh, seasonal produce with flavorful staples to create something truly delicious. The freshness of the green beans paired with the creaminess of the sauce and the crunch of the fried onions makes each bite a joy. Let’s dive into the ingredients!

• 2 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed, halved: These vibrant vegetables provide a fresh crunch and are the star of the dish.
• 1/4 cup butter (57g): Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• 1 lb bell mushrooms, cleaned, sliced: Earthy and savory, mushrooms enhance the overall taste.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors.
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor.
• 3 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (34g): Helps thicken the sauce for a creamy texture.
• 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (295ml): A flavorful base for the sauce.
• 1 1/2 cups half and half (355ml): Provides creaminess and richness.
• 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (45g): Adds cheesy goodness and flavor.
• 2 cups French’s crispy fried onions (or more to taste): Provides that delightful crunch on top.

Recipe Directions for Green Bean Casserole

Making the Green Bean Casserole is straightforward and fun! It’s a step-by-step process that allows you to enjoy the cooking experience. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. This step is important as it ensures that your casserole bakes evenly, leading to perfectly melted toppings and a tender interior.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook until just tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. This quick blanching helps retain their vibrant color and crunch.

3. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice water. Once the green beans are cooked, immediately drain them and plunge them into the ice water. This will stop the cooking process and keep them crisp.

4. After a few minutes, drain the green beans well from the ice water. Transfer them to a 12 by 8 or 13 by 9-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.

5. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the mushrooms are softened, about 5 minutes.

6. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute longer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

7. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and toss everything together, cooking briefly for about 30 seconds to get rid of the raw flour taste.

8. Pour in the chicken broth and half and half, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.

9. Stir in the parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy coating.

10. Pour the sauce over the green beans in the baking dish and toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.

11. Sprinkle the top generously with crispy fried onions. This adds that signature crunch!

12. Cover the dish with a sheet of foil and bake for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

13. After 10 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

14. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Green Bean Casserole!

Tips and Variations

Here are some helpful tips to enhance your Green Bean Casserole experience:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake from frozen, adding extra time.
• Pairing: This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian dish.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake just before serving to save time.
• Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to add cooked chicken or other vegetables like corn for a twist!

What to Pair With Green Bean Casserole

When serving your Green Bean Casserole, consider these delicious pairings:

• Roasted Turkey: The classic Thanksgiving meal just wouldn’t be the same without this pairing.
• Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken for a hearty main dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the crunch of the casserole.
• Salads: A fresh salad balances the richness of the casserole nicely.
• Special Occasions: Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Seasonal Veggies: Pair with other fall favorites like roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Green Bean Casserole stands out as a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the crunch of fried onions creates a flavor experience that everyone will love. I encourage you to try making it this season—your family and friends will thank you!

Green Bean Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Green Bean Casserole combines fresh green beans, rich cream, and crispy fried onions for an easy weeknight dinner. Perfect for holidays or everyday meals, this dish is sure to satisfy cravings and become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Green Beans Ends trimmed, halved.
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1 lb Bell Mushrooms Cleaned, sliced.
• to taste Salt Freshly ground black pepper.
• 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
• 3 1/2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 1/2 cups Half and Half
• 1/2 cup Finely Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 2 cups Crispy Fried Onions Or more to taste.

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until just tender, about 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice water. Once the green beans are cooked, drain them and plunge into the ice water.
4. After a few minutes, drain the green beans well from the ice water. Transfer them to a 12 by 8 or 13 by 9-inch baking dish.
5. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute longer.
7. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and toss, cooking briefly for about 30 seconds.
8. Pour in the chicken broth and half and half, stirring to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
10. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted.
11. Pour the sauce over the green beans and toss to coat.
12. Sprinkle the top with crispy fried onions.
13. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes.
14. Serve warm.

Notes

• Button mushrooms: can be used as well.
• Freshly grated parmesan: for best results.
• Homemade chicken stock: for even more flavor.

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Meet Delilah Moon

We eat with our eyes first, and I strive to capture the energy of our food through photography. I am deeply involved in the cooking process, styling our dishes to show you exactly how appetizing they can be. I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative and confident in your own kitchen.