ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 3slices thick-cut bacon
, diced
- ½ cfinely chopped yellow onion
- 2 clovesgarlic
, minced
- 12 ozfresh button or cremini mushrooms
, chopped
- 3 tbspbutter
- 3 tbspall-purpose flour
- 1 chalf-and-half
- 1 cchicken broth
- ½ cshredded white cheddar cheese
- ¾ tspsalt
- ¼ tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 1 lbfresh green beans)
, trimmed, halved, and blanched (boil 5 minutes, place beans in ice water for a couple of minutes, drain
- 1 canquality french fried onions
- or gluten free french fried onions
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- 2
Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- 3
Melt the butter in the same skillet and whisk in the flour. Once combined, continue whisking for another 2 minutes until the mixture has slightly deepened in color. Add the half-and-half and chicken broth while constantly whisking to prevent lumps. Once slightly thickened, add the cheese and whisk until melted and combined.
- 4
Next add the mushroom/bacon mixture along with the salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, then add the green beans. Stir to combine.
- 5
Pour the bean mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish and sprinkle the French fried onions all over the top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbling and the onions are golden and crispy. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 618 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Elevate your holiday table or weeknight dinner with the ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole, a dish consistently lauded as the best for its rich flavor and satisfying texture. Forget everything you thought you knew about this classic side – this recipe transforms it into a truly memorable experience.
This Green Bean Casserole works its magic by building flavor from scratch. It ditches the canned cream of mushroom soup in favor of a luxurious, homemade sauce featuring savory bacon, fresh mushrooms, and a creamy base enriched with half-and-half and sharp white cheddar cheese. The secret to its outstanding texture lies in using fresh green beans, blanched to perfection, ensuring they remain crisp-tender rather than mushy.
What you can expect is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: crisp-tender fresh green beans nestled in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, punctuated by smoky bacon and earthy button or cremini mushrooms. Each bite is savory, comforting, and topped with the iconic crunch of French fried onions, delivering an unparalleled side dish experience. It's a testament to how fresh ingredients and thoughtful technique can elevate a familiar favorite.
Customization & Variations
- To make this green bean casserole a gluten-free delight, simply opt for gluten free french fried onions as specified.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; a sharp Gruyere or extra-sharp cheddar can add a new dimension to the creamy sauce.
- For a richer mushroom flavor, consider adding a mix of wild mushrooms alongside the button or cremini varieties.
This ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole is a natural centerpiece for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or any gathering where you want to impress with a comforting, elevated classic.