Description
Elevate your holiday table with this gourmet green bean casserole. By replacing processed canned soups with a luxurious, homemade bechamel sauce and earthy, browned cremini mushrooms, this dish offers unmatched texture and depth. Freshly blanched green beans ensure a vibrant, crisp finish that stays firm after baking. This superior, vegetarian-friendly side dish is a wholesome, professional-quality version of a classic favorite, perfect for celebratory dinners and family gatherings alike.
Ingredients
2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced thinly
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
1 cup whole milk
6 oz fried onions
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3 minutes.
Immediately transfer beans to an ice-water bath to stop cooking, then drain well.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté mushrooms until golden brown; set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux.
Slowly whisk in the vegetable stock and milk until smooth, cooking until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, sautéed mushrooms, and blanched green beans.
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Top with fried onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Ensure the mushrooms are cooked until they are thoroughly browned to maximize the umami flavor. The blanching process is crucial for maintaining the bright green color of the beans. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the fried onions crunchy.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg