Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is loved by many.
However, most green bean casserole recipes call for canned cream of mushroom soup, which can be a bit bland and artificial.
In this blog post, I will show you how to make a green bean casserole from scratch that is so much better than the canned stuff.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups french fried onions
Instructions:
1. Prepare the green beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the green beans and blanch for 4-5 minutes, or until bright green and slightly tender.
- Drain the green beans in a colander and immediately shock them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help them retain their color and texture.
- Drain the green beans again and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes, or until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, or until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Make the creamy sauce:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook off the raw flour.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth, making sure to break up any lumps.
- Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Combine the ingredients:
- Add the blanched green beans to the creamy sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Top with the french fried onions.
5. Bake the casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the french fried onions are golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade french fried onions.
- If you are short on time, you can use canned cream of mushroom soup. However, the homemade version is definitely better.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your homemade green bean casserole!
Additional Tips:
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the casserole for a cheesy twist.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat or non-fat dairy products.
- Serve the casserole with a side of roasted turkey, ham, or a vegetarian protein.
I hope you enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make green bean casserole recipe!