This Creamy Mushroom Green Bean Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic side dish. With its rich, savory mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping, it's a perfect addition to any meal, especially during the holiday season when comfort food is a must.
Green beans are the star of this dish, providing a fresh, crisp base that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Cremini mushrooms add depth and a meaty texture, while onions and garlic bring aromatic flavors to the mix. Olive oil and butter are used to sauté the vegetables, ensuring a rich foundation for the sauce. All-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce made with whole milk, which delivers a luscious texture. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, cheesy flavor that complements the sauce perfectly. Finally, crispy fried onions are used as a topping to add a delightful crunch and finishing touch to the casserole.
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken. It's also a great side dish for a vegetarian spread, along with a fresh salad and crusty bread. For a holiday feast, consider serving it alongside stuffing and cranberry sauce for a complete, satisfying meal.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to go once you've assembled the casserole. While the oven is heating, you'll want to blanch the green beans. Boil them in water for 3-4 minutes; this helps to keep them bright green and slightly tender. Once done, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, preserving their crispness.
Next, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onions and garlic, sautéing them until they're fragrant and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step lays the flavorful foundation of the dish.
Now, introduce the mushrooms and butter to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This time allows the mushrooms to release their moisture and develop a rich, deep flavor. Stir in the flour until everything is well coated, then slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Let this mixture cook for another 5 minutes until it thickens nicely. Stir in the Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish, and season with salt and pepper to taste before removing from heat.
In a large baking dish, combine the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce, mixing everything well to ensure the beans are coated in that creamy goodness. Top the dish with a generous layer of crispy fried onions, then place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Once it's done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to give the flavors a chance to meld together.
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