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Crispy Spring Green Bean Casserole

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A comforting yet fresh casserole featuring tender spring green beans in a creamy homemade sauce topped with a crispy, crunchy topping. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) spring green beans, trimmed and washed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (30 grams) French fried onions
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or lightly oil a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately plunge into an ice-water bath to stop cooking and preserve color. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw taste and create a roux. The mixture should look pasty but smooth.
  5. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream gradually, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. The sauce will thicken after a few minutes.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan, fresh thyme, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat once thickened and creamy.
  7. Gently fold the blanched green beans into the creamy sauce until well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, combine French fried onions, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil. Toss until the crumbs are lightly coated and start to clump together.
  9. Spread the topping evenly across the surface of the casserole.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  11. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Notes

If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Do not skip the ice bath after blanching the beans to keep them crisp and vibrant. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. For vegan, substitute butter with vegan margarine, dairy milk with plant-based milk, and Parmesan with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Toasting the topping lightly in a pan before sprinkling can enhance flavor and crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, spring green beans, creamy sauce, crispy topping, easy casserole, comfort food, side dish, holiday recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-spring-green-bean-casserole-recipe-easy-creamy-sauce-guide/