Description
Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic Green Bean Casserole, blending crisp green beans with creamy mushroom sauce and golden-brown crispy onions. Homestyle cooking delivers pure satisfaction for family gatherings and holiday meals you’ll savor with genuine delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken stock
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 6 ounces (170 grams) crispy fried onions
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and coat a 9×17-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy release.
- Boil a large pot of water and submerge green beans, cooking for precisely 5 minutes to maintain crisp texture.
- Quickly transfer blanched green beans into an ice water bath to halt cooking process, then drain and pat dry on paper towels.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing shallots until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Incorporate thyme, salt, and pepper into the shallot mixture, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
- Dust flour over the mixture, whisking thoroughly to prevent clumping, and cook for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour chicken stock while continuously whisking, then repeat with heavy cream to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches a thick, gravy-like consistency.
- Fold green beans into the sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
- Transfer the sauced green beans to the prepared baking dish and generously sprinkle crispy fried onions on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until edges are bubbling and onions turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Trim green beans carefully to remove tough ends and ensure even cooking.
- Blanching helps maintain vibrant color and crisp texture of green beans while partially cooking them.
- Ice bath immediately stops cooking process, preventing mushy or overcooked beans.
- Whisk sauce constantly to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
- Use fresh thyme for more intense, aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for vegetarian version.
- Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor if desired.
- For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
- Make ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time during meal preparation.
- Can be stored in refrigerator for 2-3 days, reheat gently to maintain sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 183
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg