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Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green Bean Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

A classic Green Bean Casserole featuring fresh green beans in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a crunchy almond and parmesan topping. Perfect for holidays or comforting weeknight dinners, this recipe combines vibrant green beans with a rich sauce infused with garlic, thyme, and Dijon mustard, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1/2 cup grated aged cheddar (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Pantry

  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 tsp salt, more to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds, lightly crushed
  • A pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or oil and set aside to prepare for the casserole assembly.
  2. Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed and halved green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain immediately, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and pat dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. Make Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir continuously for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream to create a smooth sauce. Add Dijon mustard, fresh thyme leaves, salt, black pepper, and if desired, a pinch of lemon zest to brighten flavors. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the aged cheddar cheese now if using, then remove from heat.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Toss the blanched green beans in the creamy sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for consistent baking.
  5. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sliced almonds, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg if desired. Mix well to form a flavorful crunchy topping.
  6. Bake: Sprinkle the almond and parmesan topping evenly over the green bean mixture. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. For an extra crisp topping, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier and less messy.

Notes

  • Using fresh green beans gives the best texture and flavor compared to canned or frozen varieties.
  • Blanching the green beans properly ensures they remain bright and slightly crunchy after baking.
  • Cheddar cheese is optional but adds a delicious depth; you can omit it for a milder flavor.
  • The almond and parmesan topping provides a delightful crunch; you can replace almonds with breadcrumbs if preferred.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste before baking as cheese and toppings may add saltiness.
  • Keep an eye during broiling to prevent the topping from burning quickly.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking, just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, green beans, thanksgiving side dish, creamy green bean bake, holiday casserole, vegetarian casserole

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/green-bean-casserole-recipe/