Made-from-Scratch Green Bean Casserole
When you put the work into something, you'll see it in the results. That's the case when it comes to Made-from-Scratch Green Bean Casserole. Fresh green beans and a homemade cream sauce made this one terrific Thanksgiving side dish. Though it takes a bit of time to prepare, you can make the sauce ahead of time, and, of course, you could enlist a family member's help in the kitchen. If one person cuts and cooks the green beans while the other makes the sauce, the casserole will be done before you know it.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
5 Reasons to Make Made-from-Scratch Green Bean Casserole
1. Freshness is Key: By making this casserole from scratch, you ensure that every ingredient is fresh and flavorful. The green beans will be crisp and vibrant, and the homemade cream sauce will be rich and delicious.
2. It's Worth the Effort: While it may take a bit of time to prepare, the end result is well worth the effort. You'll be rewarded with a casserole that is far superior to anything you could buy pre-made at the store.
3. Family Bonding: Get the whole family involved in the kitchen by enlisting their help in preparing this dish. Dividing up the tasks can make the cooking process go by quicker, and it's a great way to spend quality time together.
4. Perfect for Special Occasions: Made-from-Scratch Green Bean Casserole is a perfect side dish for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It's sure to impress your guests and elevate your holiday meal.
5. Healthier Option: By making this casserole from scratch, you have control over the ingredients and can make healthier substitutions if desired. You can use low-fat dairy products or cut back on the amount of butter used, making it a healthier option compared to store-bought versions.
Cooking MethodCasserole, Oven
Cooking Vessel Size8 x 8 inch baking dish
Ingredients
- Casserole:
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup French-fried onions, divided
- Cream Sauce:
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 1/4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare the green beans: Boil water in a large pot. Add salt.
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While waiting for the water to boil, cut off green bean tips. Cut green beans in half to make them about 1-1/2 inch pieces.
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Once water starts to boil, add green beans. Simmer for about 6 minutes.
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Drain in colander, and immediately put into an ice water bath. Drain again, and then put in a bowl lined with paper towels in order to dry the green beans.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Make the cream sauce: In a saucepan, add milk, half and half, black pepper, salt, garlic, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Whisk together. Put the saucepan on medium-high heat. When milk starts to simmer, turn off the heat.
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In another small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in the milk mixture, careful to prevent lumps. Simmer two minutes. Add Parmesan and whisk to combine. Take off the heat.
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Pour green beans into the milk mixture. Add 1/2 cup French-fried onions and stir. Pour into a buttered 8 x 8 inch casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
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After 30 minutes, add 1/2 cup French-fried onions to the top of the casserole and bake for another 5 minutes.
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Ruthep
Nov 27, 2017
This is an interesting take on green bean casserole. I like that it is made with a homemade cream sauce instead of the usual cream of mushroom soup. The cream sauce is amazing. I have never been a fan of the traditional green bean casserole.This is not even on the same level.
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