Description
Green Bean Casserole from Barefoot Contessa elevates classic comfort with rich, creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping. Homemade elegance shines through this nostalgic side dish that brings warmth and sophisticated flavor to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) green beans, trimmed
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
- 3 cups (720 milliliters) whole milk
Dairy and Fat Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter, divided
- 1 ½ cups (36 grams) French fried onions
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 onion, sliced into half-moons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetable Base: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Submerge green beans for 5 to 6 minutes until they radiate a vibrant emerald hue. Immediately transfer to an ice water bath to halt cooking, then thoroughly drain and set aside in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Develop Aromatic Flavor Foundation: Melt 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Introduce sliced onions and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Incorporate sliced mushrooms, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and continue cooking until they achieve a rich golden-brown complexion.
- Create Luxurious Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, dissolve remaining 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) of butter. Sprinkle all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually stream whole milk while whisking, maintaining smooth consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper, stirring until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine and Assemble Casserole: Gently fold cream sauce into green bean and vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution. Transfer entire mixture back into the skillet, creating a uniform layer.
- Bake and Crisp: Place skillet in preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges bubble and center becomes heated through. Generously scatter crispy French fried onions across the surface, returning to oven for a final 4 to 5 minutes to achieve golden, crunchy topping.
Notes
- Elevate your green bean game with this restaurant-worthy casserole that transforms a classic holiday side into a culinary masterpiece.
- Use an ovenproof skillet to streamline your cooking process, reducing cleanup and creating a seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
- Blanch green beans in an ice bath to lock in their vibrant color and achieve that coveted tender-crisp texture that makes every bite delightful.
- Create a luxurious homemade cream sauce that blows away any canned alternative, developing rich, deep flavors by caramelizing mushrooms and onions together.
- Top with French fried onions for an irresistible golden crunch that adds the perfect textural contrast to the creamy, vegetable-packed base.
- Prepare this make-ahead friendly dish in advance, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy a stress-free meal that tastes like it was crafted in a professional kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 278 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg