Are you tired of the same old Thanksgiving side dishes? This year, elevate your holiday spread with Paula's Green Bean Casserole recipe – a creamy, dreamy, and surprisingly easy twist on a classic. Forget the canned soup! This homemade version boasts fresh, vibrant flavors and a satisfyingly crispy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's the perfect blend of homemade cooking and delicious dishes, making it a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas or a special Thanksgiving feast. This healthy meals option is surprisingly simple and delivers incredible results, perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a refined take on a beloved dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Crispy Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the vegetable broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Add the blanched green beans to the creamy sauce. Gently stir to coat the beans evenly. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, Parmesan cheese, and salt until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the topping evenly over the green beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole:
- For extra flavor, use fresh thyme instead of dried.
- Don't overcook the green beans. They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream.
- For a vegan option, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Spicy Green Bean Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for a little heat.
- Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Crumble cooked bacon over the top before baking for added flavor and texture.
- Mushroom Green Bean Casserole: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the green bean mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 15-20g Protein: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special holiday gatherings. The combination of fresh ingredients and homemade elements will make this green bean casserole a new family favorite. Enjoy!