Introduction
Green Bean Casserole is a beloved dish that often graces holiday tables and cozy family dinners. This recipe from Love and Lemons elevates the traditional version, offering a delicious blend of fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy onions. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ pounds green beans, trimmed and halved
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons tamari
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (any kind)
1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for sprinkling
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1½ cups French fried onions, or homemade Crispy Baked Onions
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
This Green Bean Casserole recipe is not only rich in flavor but also offers a fresh twist on a classic dish. Perfect for sharing during the festive season, it combines a creamy mushroom sauce with crunchy toppings, making it a hit for any occasion.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the oven
Set the oven temperature to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Blanch the green beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water nearby. Drop the trimmed and halved green beans into the boiling water, blanching them for 4 minutes. Drain the beans and immediately immerse them in the ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain them again and transfer to a towel to dry.
Prepare the mushroom sauce
In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until they are soft, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tamari, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine. Gradually add the milk and Dijon mustard, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, whisking often, for about 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Assemble the casserole
Spread one-third of the mushroom sauce into the prepared baking dish. Layer the blanched green beans on top and then pour over the remaining mushroom sauce. Finish by sprinkling the French fried onions, or homemade Crispy Baked Onions, on top.
Bake
Cover the dish and bake for 10 minutes. Then, uncover it and bake for an additional 10 minutes. If the onions start to brown too much, cover the dish for the remainder of the baking time. Before serving, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Crispy Baked Onions
If opting for homemade crispy onions, preheat the oven to 450°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Thinly slice 2 medium yellow onions and place them in a large bowl. Toss the sliced onions with 4 teaspoons of olive oil, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of panko bread crumbs, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes and rotating the pans as necessary, until the onions are lightly browned and crispy. Store at room temperature until ready to assemble the casserole.
Vegan Option
To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and add a few extra pinches of salt to the mushroom sauce.
Cook techniques
Blanching
Blanching is a technique used to partially cook vegetables in boiling water before quickly cooling them in ice water. This process helps to preserve the color, texture, and nutrients of the green beans.
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over medium to high heat. In this recipe, mushrooms are sautéed until soft, enhancing their flavor and texture before being combined with the sauce.
Simmering
Simmering is the process of cooking food gently in liquid at a low temperature. In this recipe, the mushroom sauce is simmered to allow it to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Baking
Baking is a method of cooking food using dry heat in an oven. The green bean casserole is baked to heat through and develop a golden-brown top.
Layering
Layering is the technique of arranging ingredients in a specific order. In this recipe, the mushroom sauce and green beans are layered in the baking dish to create a well-composed casserole.
Making Crispy Onions
Making crispy onions involves thinly slicing onions, tossing them with oil and flour, and baking until they turn golden brown and crispy, adding texture and flavor as a topping.
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but they may require a shorter blanching time.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free tamari.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I substitute for the Parmesan cheese?
You can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option or simply omit it if you prefer.
Conclusion
This Green Bean Casserole recipe is a delightful blend of fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and crunchy French fried onions, making it a perfect side dish for any festive occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it offers a wonderful twist on the traditional casserole that will surely impress your guests.
Classic Turkey and Dressing
Pair this casserole with a succulent roasted turkey and homemade stuffing for a truly festive meal that embodies the spirit of the holidays.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Serve creamy garlic mashed potatoes alongside the green bean casserole to create a comforting and hearty dinner plate that’s perfect for family gatherings.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a fresh and colorful addition, add balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts. Their tangy flavor will complement the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Include sweet honey-glazed carrots for a hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements of the meal, adding a vibrant color to your table.
Cranberry Sauce
Don’t forget to include a zesty cranberry sauce on the side. Its tartness provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Mixed Green Salad
A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing crunch and balance to the richness of the green bean casserole and the other dishes.
Apple Pie
Finish off your meal with a classic dessert like apple pie. Its warmth and sweetness will cap off a wonderful dining experience.
