The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spruce up your festive table than with a classic green bean casserole? This timeless dish, with a creamy mushroom sauce, crispy bacon, and a crown of golden fried onions, is a must-have for any holiday feast. This twist on the classic green bean casserole does not use canned mushroom soup! Instead, it uses a creamy base with sharp cheese.
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Staub Cookware, Up to 40% OffThis revamped green bean casserole is a testament to the power of elevating classic recipes with a few simple tweaks. With its creamy mushroom sauce with crunchy bacon and cheese and the nostalgic addition of French’s fried onions, this dish is sure to become a new holiday tradition for your family. This is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any meal all year round!
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole
- 1 40 0z cut green beans drained
- 6 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup minced onions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup 1/2 & 1/2
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 strips bacon cooked & crumbled
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup French’s fried onions
The Sauce for This Green Bean Casserole
Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until translucent, add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and stir until coated. Cook a few minutes to cook the flour off.
Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of half-and-half, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken.
Mixing it all together
Pour the Thickened sauce over the green beans, mushrooms bacon and sharp cheese. Toss all together.
Top off the dish with 1 cup of French’s fried onions, distributing them evenly for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer your green bean casserole into a baking dish, Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the fried onions are golden-brown.
Storing Tips For This Green Bean Casserole
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Place leftovers in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigeration Time:
- Green bean casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Beyond this time, the quality may start to degrade.
- Avoid Moisture:
- Moisture can affect the texture of the dish. Place a paper towel on top of the casserole before sealing it with a lid or wrap to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing Tips:
- Cooling:
- Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before freezing. This prevents ice crystals from forming and helps maintain the texture.
- Freeze in Portions:
- Consider dividing the casserole into smaller portions before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
- Airtight Packaging:
- Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Labeling:
- Clearly label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
- Freezer Time:
- Green bean casserole can be frozen for about 2-3 months.
- While it may still be safe to eat beyond this period, the quality may decline.
Reheating Tips:
- Thawing:
- If frozen, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
- Oven Reheating:
- For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave Reheating:
- If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave, but be aware that the texture may not be as crispy.
- Stirring:
- Stir the casserole partway through reheating to ensure even warming.
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Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 40 0z cut green beans drained
- 6 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup minced onions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup 1/2 & 1/2
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 strips bacon cooked & crumbled
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup French's fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees℉. Grease a 2 Quart baking dish.
- Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until translucent, add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and stir until coated. Cook a few minutes to cook the flour off. Slowly stir in the chicken broth and 1/2 & 1/2. Cook until thickened stirring constantly. Add the salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl place the drained green beans, sliced mushrooms, bacon and shredded sharp cheese. Pour the white sauce over and mix well. Place in 2-quart baking dish. Top with 1 cup French's fried onions. Bake for 35-40 minutes.