Tired of the same old boring green bean casserole that relies on processed mushroom soup? Get ready to transform this classic side dish into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This homemade version ditches the canned shortcuts and brings fresh, vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Say goodbye to bland and hello to a green bean casserole that's both sophisticated and comforting.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly. Trim the ends and cut into approximately 2-inch pieces. Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Immediately transfer the blanched green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Place the blanched green beans in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the green beans, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the green beans, covering them evenly.
- Top the casserole with crispy fried onions, distributing them uniformly across the surface.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fried onions are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh cracked pepper if desired.
Tips
- • For the crispiest green beans, don't skip the blanching and ice bath process. This technique ensures your beans are perfectly tender-crisp and maintain their bright green color. • Use fresh garlic instead of powdered for a more robust flavor profile. Freshly minced garlic will elevate the entire dish. • Make sure to pat the green beans completely dry after the ice bath to prevent excess water from making your casserole watery. • For extra crunch, consider mixing store-bought crispy fried onions with some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts. • If you want to make this ahead of time, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. • For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. • Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or a sharp white cheddar for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
