Elevated Green Bean Casserole from Good to Gobbleworthy

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever feel like your green bean casserole needs a serious upgrade? This is the best green bean casserole recipe you'll find.

It's got that classic comfort food vibe but with a gourmet twist that makes it incredibly special.

Brief Overview

This elevated casserole recipe has roots in American tradition. It ditches canned soup for a fresh take. It's a medium effort dish.

It takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. This recipe yields 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

Green beans are packed with vitamins and fiber. This casserole is perfect for any holiday gathering. What makes this recipe truly special is the homemade crispy fried onion topping and decadent cremini mushroom sauce .

Honestly, it's like a hug in a casserole dish!

Okay, let's get this show on the road! This homemade green bean casserole is about to become your new go-to.

First, you need to gather your ingredients. Don't skimp on quality, especially when it comes to the green beans themselves.

Trust me, fresh green bean casserole recipe makes all the difference!.

Right then, gather up:

• For the Crispy Fried Onions: 2 large yellow onions, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying.
• For the Green Bean Casserole: 2 pounds fresh green beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 pound cremini mushrooms, 4 cloves garlic, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, Reserved crispy fried onions.

Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list. This gourmet green bean casserole isn't complicated, just a bit more involved than opening a can.

This dish screams Thanksgiving side dish recipes and holiday potluck recipes !. It’s also surprisingly an easy casserole recipe .

Right then, let's talk about what you actually need to make this happen. This ain't just any green bean casserole recipe ; we're aiming for something truly special, a homemade green bean casserole worthy of centre stage.

Ingredients & Equipment for Green Bean Glory

Time to gather your forces. We're talking ingredients, tools the whole shebang. This will be the best green bean casserole recipe by the end. Trust me!

Main Ingredients: The Star Performers

These are the heroes of our show. Don't skimp on quality here.

• Fresh Green Beans: 2 pounds (Metric: about 900g). They must be fresh. Frozen just won't cut it. Get them bright green and snappy.
• Yellow Onions: 2 large (US: about 1 lb, Metric: about 450g). Yellow onions are the ones, look for firm ones.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (US: 4 ¼ oz, Metric: 120g) to coat those onions.
• Cremini Mushrooms: 1 pound (US: 1 lb, Metric: 450g). Go for cremini; their earthy flavour is awesome.
• Garlic: 4 cloves . Freshly minced, of course.
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (US: ½ stick, Metric: 60g) for that rich sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup (US: 1oz, Metric: 30g) to thicken things up.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 3 cups (US: 24 fl oz, Metric: 700ml). I prefer chicken, but veggie works too.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (US: 8 fl oz, Metric: 240ml) for ultimate creaminess.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: About 3 cups/700ml for frying.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari: 2 tablespoons I prefer tamari.

Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters

These are the secret weapons. Don't underestimate their power. Gourmet green bean casserole here we come.

• Smoked Paprika: For smoky depth in our crispy fried onion topping .
• Garlic & Onion Powder: A classic combo that enhances the savoury notes.
• Fresh Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds warmth and complexity. Honestly, it's magic.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
• Essential spice combinations will really bring out the best in this holiday potluck recipes .

Quick substitution options? A dash of Worcestershire sauce can add umami if you're out of soy sauce.

Equipment Needed: The Essentials

Let's keep it simple. You don't need a fancy kitchen.

• Large Pot: For blanching those green beans.
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For the mushroom sauce.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy Bottomed Pot: For the crispy fried onion topping (a regular pot works fine).
• Baking Dish (9x13 inch): Obvious. easy casserole recipe , really.

I remember the first time I tried making this from scratch. I used frozen green beans... big mistake! They went all soggy.

Trust me, fresh is always better. Now, are we ready to turn this thing into the best green bean casserole recipe ?

Cooking Method: Making the Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe Ever

Okay, let's get this show on the road! We're diving headfirst into making the best green bean casserole recipe you've ever tasted.

Honestly, forget what you think you know. We're talking homemade green bean casserole goodness, ditching the canned soup for a real cremini mushroom sauce .

This will become your go-to Thanksgiving side dish recipe. Ready to impress Aunt Mildred?

Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , darlings! Chop those 2 pounds of fresh green beans and slice 1 pound of cremini mushrooms.

Get your 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced for the crispy fried onion topping . Time saving tip: do all this the day before! Also, be careful slicing onions, eye protection helps, if you're a cry baby like me.

step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cooking!

1. Fry those onions: Toss sliced onions with 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fry in 350° F ( 175° C) oil until golden.
2. Blanch the beans: Boil green beans for 3- 4 minutes , then ice bath them. Keeps 'em bright green!
3. Make the sauce: Sauté mushrooms with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then add 4 cloves minced garlic.
4. Roux time: Melt 4 tablespoons butter, whisk in ¼ cup flour, cook for 2 minutes .
5. Sauce it up: Slowly add 3 cups broth, then 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg. Simmer until thick.
6. Combine and bake: Mix beans and sauce, add some fried onions, top with the rest. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game

Okay, here are my secret weapons for an elevated casserole recipe:

• Don't skip the nutmeg! Just trust me, it adds a warmth you won't believe.
• Make the crispy fried onions ahead of time . Seriously, this saves so much stress.
• If you are short on time try substitution, sauteing some canned mushroom instead of fresh.

Honestly, making this gourmet green bean casserole is easier than you think, and it's so worth the effort. You know that holiday potluck recipes are nothing if not an easy casserole recipe.

So, are you ready to become a casserole convert?

Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce to Casserole Success

Right then, listen up! We've got the best green bean casserole recipe down pat. But, like any good cook knows, the devil's in the details.

These recipe notes are your cheat sheet to casserole perfection, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning taste buds. Okay, let's get this show on the road!

Serving Suggestions: Pretty Plates and Perfect Pairings

Presentation matters, doesn't it? Don't just slap this gourmet green bean casserole on a plate. Give it some love! A sprig of fresh thyme, a sprinkle of extra crispy fried onion topping , and a nice serving spoon can elevate the entire experience.

As a Thanksgiving side dish recipe, alongside roast turkey and cranberry sauce? Bangin'.

Think about drinks, too. A crisp, dry white wine or even a sparkling cider pairs wonderfully. And for the sides? Oh my gosh, I reckon mashed potatoes with garlic would be incredible or Creamy corn pudding to balance all the savouriness.

Storage Tips: Casserole Care 101

Leftovers? If there are any, that is. Honestly? I'd be surprised. Keep the remainder casserole in the fridge. Make sure it's in an airtight container, ideally up to 3 days .

When the craving calls, just reheat gently in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Reheating the casserole is such an easy casserole recipe!.

Freezing is an option, but the texture of the green beans might change a bit. Still, it's better than wasting food, yeah? Thaw it completely before reheating.

Variations: Get Creative with Your Casserole

Want to mix things up? Go for it! For a dietary adaptation, use a plant based cream alternative and vegetable broth to make a vegetarian/vegan friendly, elevated casserole recipe! A gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari) will provide a gluten-free option.

Seasonal ingredient swaps are always a good shout. Instead of cremini mushrooms, try shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a deeper flavour.

So homemade green bean casserole can be as good as you make it!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Festive Feasts

This fresh green bean casserole recipe isn't just tasty; it's got some good stuff going on! Green beans are packed with vitamins and fibre, and mushrooms bring their own set of nutrients to the party.

Just be mindful of the fat content from the cream and fried onions.

Of course, this depends on your specific ingredients and serving sizes.

So there you have it! Now go forth and conquer that holiday potluck recipes . You've got everything you need to make the best green bean casserole recipe that'll have everyone begging for seconds.

Trust me, you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the best green bean casserole recipe ahead of time? I'm a bit of a stressed out cook, you see!

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onion topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the fridge. Then, just before baking, add the crispy fried onions and bake as directed. This is a lifesaver if you're juggling multiple dishes, especially around the holidays!

Help! My crispy fried onions always turn out soggy. What am I doing wrong?

Soggy onions are a common kitchen woe! The key is to make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) and to fry the onions in small batches. Overcrowding the pot lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Also, ensure the onions are well drained on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.

I'm vegetarian. Can I still make this green bean casserole?

Definitely! This green bean casserole recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarians. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also experiment with different types of plant based heavy cream options!

How long will leftover green bean casserole last? And what's the best way to store it?

Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The crispy onions may lose some of their crunch, but the flavor will still be fantastic. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Is it possible to make this best green bean casserole recipe with frozen green beans, or are fresh beans really essential?

While fresh green beans are definitely preferred for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before blanching. Keep in mind that frozen green beans tend to be a bit softer, so reduce the blanching time to avoid a mushy casserole.

Any tips for making the mushroom sauce extra flavourful?

Absolutely! Don't skimp on the sautéing of the mushrooms - letting them brown properly adds depth of flavour. Adding a splash of dry sherry or Worcestershire sauce (check it is suitable for any vegetarians as many contain anchovies) to the sauce can also elevate the taste.

And remember to season generously with salt, pepper, and that touch of nutmeg!