If you’re looking for a green bean casserole recipe that will impress everyone at the dinner table, look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to make a green bean casserole with fresh green beans, crispy baked onions, and a creamy mushroom sauce that will leave your taste buds begging for more. So let’s dive in!
The Components of a Great Green Bean Casserole
When it comes to making the ultimate green bean casserole, the components are key. Instead of using canned or frozen green beans, opt for fresh ones. Blanch them before baking to achieve a vibrant green color and a perfect al dente bite.
Swap out the usual canned French fried onions for a pile of crispy baked onions. These onions add a delightful oniony flavor and a crisp texture that complements the dish perfectly. Trust us, you won’t be able to resist!
How to Make the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole
Creating the perfect green bean casserole involves three main steps: making the crispy onions, blanching the green beans, and preparing the mushroom sauce.
Start by slicing the onions into thin half-moons and tossing them with olive oil, flour, salt, and panko. Roast them until they’re golden brown and crispy, making sure to rotate the pans for even cooking.
Next, blanch the green beans in salted water until they’re slightly tender and vibrant green. Transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process, then dry them thoroughly on a kitchen towel.
For the mushroom sauce, sauté mushrooms until soft, then add tamari, garlic, and thyme for added flavor. Sprinkle in some flour, followed by almond milk and Dijon mustard. Simmer until the sauce thickens, and stir in Parmesan cheese and black pepper for an umami kick.
Finally, layer everything together in a greased baking dish. Start with a thin layer of the sauce, pile in the green beans, and spread the remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle the crispy onions over the sauce, cover, and bake. After 10 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole
Here are some tips to ensure your green bean casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Look for haricots verts, which are slimmer than regular green beans and have a snappy texture that integrates well with the sauce and onion topping.
- When cooking the onions, toss them every 10 minutes and rotate the baking sheets to ensure even cooking.
- Make sure to dry the blanched green beans thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
- You can make this green bean casserole ahead of time. Bake the crispy onions, blanch the green beans, and prepare the sauce. Then, assemble the casserole with the sauce and green beans, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the crispy onions and bake until heated through.
More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes
If you loved this green bean casserole recipe, why not try some of these other mouthwatering side dishes for your next Thanksgiving feast:
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
- Creamed Spinach
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Kale Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Simple Roasted Beets with Citrus
- Roasted Delicata Squash with Apples and Sage
- Simple Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Best Pumpkin Pie
- 50 more Thanksgiving Side Dishes
We hope this recipe inspires you to create the perfect green bean casserole that will wow your family and friends. For more delicious recipes and inspiration, visit Ekilove. Happy cooking!
