We’ve finally found the perfect green bean casserole recipe, and the results will leave you speechless. Finally, you’ll be able to taste the full flavor of the ingredients and avoid the tasteless mush you get from other recipes.
In this case, we’ll be using fresh ingredients, not frozen ones, and that’s the first change you’ll feel. We’ll explain how long to bake green beans so they’ll keep their crispy texture and recognizable taste.
Also, we’ll show you how, with simple improvements, you can make breathtaking dishes such as chicken green bean casserole or something a bit more calorie-dense like our green bean casserole with bacon.
Keep reading and get ready to cook!
We’ll give you the full recipe below, but it’s helpful to know a few things before cooking. The base of our dish requires only three ingredients. Keep the following tips in mind the next time you prepare the components for your casserole.
Make sure to use fresh ingredients if you want the best results. Frozen beans retain more water and are easily overcooked, so you’re often left with tasteless mush instead of a casserole. In this case, cut the ends of the fresh green beans, chop them into fairly-sized pieces, and you’re guaranteed a better outcome.
No matter if you’re making a green bean casserole with cheese, bacon, or anything else, the meal is going to be only as good as its every component. So, for that reason, we’ll be making our crispy onion topping.
Luckily, it won’t require that many ingredients. Some thin-sliced onions, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and butter are all you’ll need for this part.
Yup, we’ll make that ourselves, too! Apart from a lot of garlic, our sauce includes butter, flour, milk, stock, Parmesan, and mushrooms. We recommend using baby Bella mushrooms for this instance, but you can go with your favorite kind.
Our complete recipe will give you detailed instructions on making a green bean casserole, but still, there are things you should keep an eye on while making the dish.
This is probably the first thing you should remember. Knowing how long to bake green beans will determine the texture of the entire meal. Keep in mind that the beans will be cooking in the oven, so they mustn’t be thoroughly done after the first step of preparation.
If they are, the meal won’t be close to what it can be. For reference, we prefer the beans a bit on the crispier side, so we boil them for only two minutes.
It’s called crispy onion topping. It makes sense that the onions should taste as described in the name, right? So, make sure to cut them thinly, and you’ll get a crispy result.
Try keeping up with the crispy theme by pre-toasting the bread crumbs in butter before baking.
Good things can always be better. If you think some of these additions can take your casserole to a new level, give them a shot. Who knows, maybe our green bean casserole with cheese is the right match for you.
The reasoning behind this is quite simple – anything is better with bacon. Many great meals were invented based on this principle. So, if you aren’t feeling the basic recipe, try a green bean casserole with bacon. It’s got a bit more taste to it.
You won’t have to make many adjustments to turn a regular casserole into its vegan variation. Replace the butter with olive oil, regular milk with a plant-based option, and either skip the Parmesan or sub it for vegan cheese.
Your first instinct may not be to add chicken to the formula, but the combination works quite well. When it comes to holiday meals and special family gatherings, chicken green bean casserole is a favorite of many.
Making a green bean casserole with cheese simply makes sense. There’s already Parmesan on top, but adding Gouda or Cheddar into the green beans will make everything extra cheesy and delicious.
If you have trouble digesting gluten, try switching to a more suitable recipe. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, and the meal will be safe to consume.
Once you master making our version, you can start implementing your favorite additions and inventing new recipes.
Fill a large stockpot with water and put it on the stove on maximum heat. While you wait for the water to boil, you can start prepping the green beans. Cut the ends off, and chop the greens into bite-sized pieces. When you notice bubbles in the pot, add the green beans and cook for two minutes.
When the green beans reach the wanted level of crispiness, take them out and set them into a bowl with ice water. Give everything a quick stir so the vegetables stop cooking and remain crispy. Then, set aside until it’s time for the oven.
Start by melting 1/2 tbsp butter in a large pan. Then, in a pan on medium heat, add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally and take the onion strings out before they become soft.
Then transfer the onion into a separate bowl.
Add the rest of the butter (another 1/2 tbsp) and the bread crumbs to the pan and stir until they combine. Keep doing so for another 2-3 minutes, then transfer to the onions bowl. Finally, add the Parmesan and the spices and mix everything into a crispy onion topping.
Once again, start by melting the butter in a sauté pan. Then, add the baby Bella mushrooms and let them cook until they are soft and light brown. This usually takes about 5 minutes on the stove, with occasional stirring.
Proceed by adding the garlic to enhance the sauce’s odors. After another two minutes pass by, add flour and stir for one more minute. Next, it’s time for the vegetable stock to join the party. Add it to the pan and keep stirring the pot! Finally, add the milk and the cheese and wait for the sauce to thicken.
Mix the green beans and the mushroom sauce, then transfer into a baking dish. Of course, don’t forget to sprinkle the topping.
Put the baking dish into the oven and bake until the top is golden brown. Once it is, all you need to do is take the dish out, let it cool off a bit, and serve.
If you find yourself hungry in South Miami, make sure to visit Root & Bone restaurant. We’ll be happy to serve you dinner!
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