Here in America, we like to combine creamy goodness and veggies then top them with crispy yummy bits. That is why no Thanksgiving feast will be complete without a rich, satisfying green bean casserole.
This may come as a shocker but growing up we never had green bean casserole for Thanksgiving dinner. Unless, we had a potluck at church, or ate at a friend’s house it was never part of the plan.
So, when I met my husband and started meeting his family, I got to know what green bean casserole was, how it was made, and that it was one of his favorites.
There was just one problem, I try to avoid processed food, such as canned condensed soup. Not only do I swell like a scared puffer fish after eating that much sodium, but most of those soups contain corn and soy both of which I have hypersensitive to. Therefore, I had to find an alternative way to make my man’s favorite holiday side.
So here is what I did!
How to make Homemade Green Bean Casserole
- First, no canned goods, fresh green beans trimmed and blanched. Once the green beans are done time to make the mushroom sauce and onion topping.
- To make the onion topping combine the onions, flour, panko, olive oil, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and evenly spread out the coated onions. Bake onions on the medium rack until golden brown. This takes about 30 minutes to make sure to toss the onions 2 to 3 times while cooking to ensure they don’t burn. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside until ready to use.
- Caramelize the onion in some butter with a pinch of salt. This part takes the longest about 5-7 minutes you want to cook the onions low and slow allowing their natural sugars to come out, leaving you with sweet onions as opposed to harsh spicy onions. Careful not to get impatient, if you cook them too fast they will char leaving you with a slightly burnt taste.
- Once onions are caramelized remove them and set them aside for later. Now in the same pan, you cooked your onions, place more butter and sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt, being sure not to crowd the pan. If you crowd the pan the mushrooms will not brown properly and the juices will not render the same. Cook mushrooms 3-5 minutes stirring occasionally. When done the mushrooms should be half the size you started with.
- Now the rest goes quickly. Add the garlic and thyme give it a quick stir. Stir in the flour and allow to cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the stock, and the cream. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Once the sauce has thickened stir in your green beans. Top with crispy onions, bake for 10 minutes and serve.
Just because you have limitations doesn’t mean you have to suffer. There is always a way around them and make a dish that is more satisfying than the original. This Cast Iron Green Bean Casserole is now my husband’s favorite, he requests a double batch every year and would prefer it over the original.
FAQ and Tips
Common Questions that get asked about the recipe, and tips to save you time and money.
- Can you make this Green Bean Casserole in Advance ?
Yes, you can make this Cast Iron Green Bean Casserole up to 5 days ahead. Blanch beans and place in a bag with a paper towel to help draw out any additional moister. Make the sauce and allow it to cool then place the mushroom sauce in a mason jar or any glass jar with a tight lid. The onion topping, I would make the same day to avoid any sogginess from occurring, or you can use over the counter to make your life easier. The day you are ready to serve mix beans and mushroom sauce, top with onion crispies, and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes to warm through. - What if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick add a splash more of chicken stock or cream until it is to the thickness you like. - I don’t have a cast iron skillet can I make this in a casserole dish?
You can. Make the sauce in a sauce pan then add the green beans to a casserole dish and pour the sauce over the beans. Add crispy onion toping and bake until warm.
More Side Dish Recipes
Savory and Sweet Maple Pecan Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
Grab this simple no-hassle recipe for Maple Pecan Butternut Squash and Brussel Sprouts Medley and bring flavor to the table this holiday.
Continue Reading Savory and Sweet Maple Pecan Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
Sweet Potato Gnocchi in a Pecan Maple Sage Sauce
Looking to make something new this holiday season? Grab this recipe for Sweet Potato Gnocchi in a Pecan Maple Sage Sauce and wow
Continue Reading Sweet Potato Gnocchi in a Pecan Maple Sage Sauce
Simply Delicious Thanksgiving Corn Pudding
Grab this recipe for Thanksgiving Corn Pudding if you are looking for a kid-friendly and addictive side dish this holiday.
for even more Thanksgiving Side Dishes check out the recipe collection.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Cast Iron Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Crispy Onion Topping
- 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
- ⅛ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tbsp olive oil
Beans and Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- 2 ½ tbsp kosher salt
- 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed and cut in halve
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted, divided
- 8 oz button mushrooms cut into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- ¼ tsp freshly ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
Instructions
Crispy Onion Topping
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees
- Combine the onions, flour, panko, olive oil, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and evenly spread out the coated onions. Bake onions on the medium rack until golden brown. This takes about 30 minutes make sure to toss the onions 2 to 3 times during cooking to ensure they don’t burn. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside until ready to use.
Beans and Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Blanch the trimmed green beans and set aside for later
- Caramelize the onion in 1 tbsp of butter with a pinch of salt for about 5-7 minutes. Once caramelized remove them and set them aside.
- In the same pan, the onions were cooked in, place the remaining butter and sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt, DO NOT CROWD PAN. Cook mushrooms 3-5 minutes stirring occasionally
- Add the garlic and thyme give it a quick stir. Stir in the flour and allow to cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the stock, and the cream. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Once the sauce has thickened stir in your green beans. Top with crispy onions bake for 10 minutes and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Let’s Get Social
Follow Instagram | Facebook to get post updates and behind the scenes craziness
Pin Homemade Green Bean Casserole for Later
Looking For More Recipes
Be sure to head over to The Messy Cutting Boards Recipe Box where you will find family-friendly meals no matter what the season.
Leave a Reply