Creamy Herbed Green Bean Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Creamy Herbed Green Bean Casserole is a fresh twist on a classic favorite. It's packed with vibrant flavors, thanks to the fresh herbs and cremini mushrooms, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients for Creamy Herbed Green Bean Casserole

Green beans are the star of the show, offering a fresh and slightly sweet base. Cremini mushrooms bring a depth of flavor with their earthy notes, complementing the beans beautifully. Onions and garlic add aromatic richness to the dish, while butter gives the sauce its creamy texture. Flour is used to thicken the sauce, and a combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth ensures it's luscious and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a hint of nuttiness, and fresh thyme brings a lovely herbal note. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, and finally, crispy fried onions provide a delightful crunch on top.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your green beans are well-dried before adding them to the sauce to prevent it from becoming watery.
  • Use fresh thyme for the best flavor — dried thyme can be too intense.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before combining with the green beans.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or turkey, making it a fantastic addition to holiday meals. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty grain salad or stuffed bell peppers. A crisp white wine complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture, but canned can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Add the crispy onions just before baking.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute the milk and cream with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk and coconut cream.

Creamy Herbed Green Bean Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready to go once your casserole is assembled. While the oven is warming up, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your green beans and blanch them for about three minutes. This process helps retain their vibrant color and crispness. Once done, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and sauté until they're translucent — this should take about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms turn a lovely golden brown.

Once your veggies are nicely cooked, sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously for about a minute. This step creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Let it cook until the mix thickens, stirring occasionally.

Fold in the Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. The sauce should be creamy and well-seasoned, ready to coat the green beans.

Combine the blanched green beans with your sauce, ensuring they're well-covered. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You're looking for a bubbly, golden finish. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A creamy, flavorful sauce enhances the natural taste of fresh green beans.
  • The crispy fried onions on top add delightful texture and a savory crunch.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
  • Combines simple, fresh ingredients for a dish that's both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed and halved)
8 oz cremini mushrooms (sliced)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup crispy fried onions

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
4. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are golden brown.
5. Stir in flour, cooking for 1 minute until combined.
6. Gradually whisk in milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
7. Add Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring until the sauce thickens.
8. Combine green beans and sauce, transferring to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. Top with crispy fried onions.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

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