Green bean casserole

Unleash the Flavorful Delight of a classic Green Bean Casserole!

Tips

Make ahead

Whether you’re tasked with bringing the green bean casserole or simply aiming to lighten your load on Thanksgiving day, this dish is perfect for preparing ahead. Just follow the recipe below, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. While you can still top it with crispy onions before storing, keep in mind that the longer it sits, the less likely you are to retain the crispy texture of the onions. I recommend storing the remaining crispy onions in a separate container. When you’re ready, preheat the oven to 400°F and bake until the casserole begins to bubble, which should take about 15-20 minutes.

cream of mushroom

Cream of mushroom is essentially a mushroom gravy made with mushrooms, flour, broth, and half-and-half. This creamy blend is what ties the dish together. Making mushroom gravy is a breeze, so don’t hesitate to taste it and add more seasoning if needed

green bean casserole

Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Serving size: 8-10

Gather

crispy onions (oven)

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced (use a mandoline, size 5)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 
• Nonstick cooking spray

Crispy onions (fried)

• 3 cups frying oil (peanut or vegetable) 
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup corn starch 
• 3 tablespoons Creole seasoning
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced (use a mandoline, size 5)
• 2 cups buttermilk

green bean casserole

• 3 tablespoons salt
• 1 pound fresh green beans, rinsed, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 12 ounces mushrooms, trimmed, cleaned and cut into ½-inch pieces (baby bellas, button or any of your favorite edible mushrooms)
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon onion powder 
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half

Follow

crispy onions (baked)

1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees.
2. Combine the onions, flour, panko, Creole seasoning and pepper in a large mixing bowl.  Prepare a baking sheet by spraying nonstick spray, and evenly distribute the onion mixture. Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Be sure to mix multiple times during cooking (2-4 times), or the onions will burn. Remove and set aside when done, and then turn the oven down to 400 degrees

cripsy onions (fried)

1. Place oil in a deep fryer to the fill line, or 3 cups into a large pot. Heat to 375 degrees. 
2. Mix the flour, cornstarch and the Creole seasoning in a large bowl.
3. Add the onions to the buttermilk in a separate bowl and let stand for 10 minutes.
4. Drain and then dredge in the flour. Shake off excess flour.
5. Fry, a few at a time, until golden brown and crisp, 1 to 3 minutes.

green bean casserole

1. Prepare beans: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Set up a bowl with cold water and ice,  and set it aside. (You will need it immediately after the beans are done.) Bring 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Throw in the beans, and blanche for 5 minutes. Drain and immediately place into the bowl of ice water. Let sit for a few minutes to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Add butter to a large skillet, over medium heat. The skillet should be at least 12 inches wide with a 1.5-inch lip to hold everything. Add the mushrooms, pepper and 1 teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to sweat, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and nutmeg; continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and combine. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes; be sure not to brown the flour too much. Add the broth and simmer for 1 minute. Decrease the heat to medium-low and add the half-and-half. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Stir occasionally, and be sure to get the browned bits on the bottom.
3. Remove from heat and stir in ¼ of the onions and all of the green beans. Top with the remaining onions. Place into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly. Remove and serve immediately.

reheating instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare an oven-safe dish with cooking spray. Give the mixture a good stir and place in the dish. Top with crispy onions. Cook for 15 minutes. Serve immediately.