Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
Try this Green Bean Casserole from Scratch recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Green Bean Casserole from Scratch recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 & 1/2 lbs. fresh green beans rinsed and ends trimmed
- 2 tbsp. butter {i use salted}
- 2 large portobello mushrooms chopped
- 6 oz french fried onions
- Carbohydrate 184.84096314335 g
- Cholesterol 1546.78000052985 mg
- Fat 406.887232433805 g
- Fiber 10.1624664093544 g
- Protein 296.786056489573 g
- Saturated Fat 182.587662144414 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (3435g)
- Sodium 3545.53650000502 mg
- Sugar 174.678496733995 g
- Trans Fat 28.4296295780692 g
- Calories 5590 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water and 2 Tbsp. of salt to a boil. Add the green beans and boil for 5 minutes.
- While they're boiling, prepare a large bowl of ice water.
- Once 5 minutes is up, drain the beans into a colander and immediately place the beans in the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onions, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften. (About 5 minutes)
- Add the mushrooms, salt and pepper and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and stir to combine. Then add the half and half and simmer until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in all of the green beans.
- Transfer green bean mixture to prepared casserole dish.
- Top with the bread crumbs and then layer the french fried onions on top.
- Place casserole in the oven and bake until bubbly, about 20 minutes.
- Serve immediately!
My Go-To Green Bean Casserole: A Recipe for Comfort
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights often blur into a whirlwind of school pickups, homework help, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. Yet, the aroma of a home-cooked meal still holds a special place in my heart, bringing back cherished memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. That’s why I’ve perfected this Green Bean Casserole recipe – it's quick, easy, and undeniably comforting, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
This recipe isn’t just your average green bean casserole; it’s a from-scratch creation that allows me to control the ingredients and ensure a quality meal for my family. Forget those canned versions filled with questionable ingredients – this homemade rendition is a testament to simple, fresh cooking with exceptional results. The creamy mushroom sauce, perfectly blanched green beans, and the crunchy topping combine to create a flavor profile that is both familiar and utterly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Why this recipe works for me: I love the flexibility this recipe offers. If I have fresh herbs on hand, I often add a sprig of thyme or rosemary to the mushroom sauce for a hint of additional flavor. Sometimes, I substitute crimini mushrooms for portobellos, depending on what's available at the grocery store. The key is to not be afraid to experiment and adapt the recipe to your own preferences and pantry staples. That's part of the joy of cooking!
Beyond the Recipe: This casserole isn't just about the food; it's about the memories we create around it. I love that I can whip this up quickly, knowing that my family will enjoy every bite. The process of making this casserole, from chopping vegetables to carefully layering the ingredients, becomes a small act of self-care in my busy schedule. It’s a tangible way to show my family how much I care, and that's truly priceless.
Serving Suggestions: This green bean casserole is wonderfully versatile. It’s a perfect complement to roast turkey or ham during the holidays, but it's equally delightful alongside grilled chicken or pork chops for a weeknight dinner. I often serve it with a simple side salad and crusty bread for a complete and balanced meal.
Making it Ahead: This recipe can be made completely ahead of time, which makes it ideal for busy holiday gatherings. You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through and bubbly.
Beyond the Recipe: This dish has become more than just a recipe for me; it's a symbol of comfort, family, and the simple pleasure of creating something delicious from scratch. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a hectic life, there's always time for a home-cooked meal, a time to connect with loved ones, and a time to savor the flavors of a truly special dish. And that, my friends, is something truly invaluable.
Variations and Tweaks:
For a vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure your butter is vegetarian. The mushroom flavour will shine through.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom sauce for a touch of heat.
Add some herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage would complement the flavours beautifully.
Creamier casserole: Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half for an even richer and creamier sauce.
Different bread crumbs: Experiment with seasoned bread crumbs or even crushed crackers for a different textural experience.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
