Ciao amici. 👋 Today, we’re whipping up a green bean casserole that’ll make your taste buds do the tarantella 💃.
This dish is a cinch to prepare, but packed with irresistible flavors that’ll transport you straight to nonna’s kitchen.
Are you ready to get cooking?
Why You Will Love This Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Let me count the ways you’ll adore this green bean casserole.
First off, it’s a breeze to make – even a kitchen novice can master it.
Yet, the flavors are sublime, like a beautiful symphony on your palate.
This recipe puts a delicious twist on the classic, swapping out the usual cream of mushroom soup for a luscious homemade cream sauce. Garlic, thyme, and a hint of nutmeg take this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
But the star of the show?
Those tender-crisp green beans, smothered in a crispy, buttery onion topping that’ll have you going back for seconds (and thirds).
It’s the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy in every bite.
Ingredients Needed to make this Green Bean Casserole
Here are the ingredients you need to make this delizioso green bean casserole:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1⁄2 cup chicken or veggie broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1⁄4 tsp ground nutmeg Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Alternative Ingredients
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Green Beans | Frozen Green Beans, Broccolini, Asparagus |
| Butter | Olive Oil, Avocado Oil |
| Milk | Unsweetened Almond or Oat Milk |
| Chicken/Veggie Broth | Vegetable Stock, Beef Stock |
| Dried Thyme | Fresh Thyme, Dried Oregano, Italian Seasoning |
| Ground Nutmeg | Ground Cinnamon, Allspice |
| Crispy Fried Onions | Panko Breadcrumbs, Crushed Crackers |
Step-By-Step Instructions on How to Make this recipe
Here’s a sneak peek of how we’ll bring this tasty dish to life:
First, we’ll blanch the green beans to ensure they’re perfectly tender-crisp. Then, we’ll whip up cream sauce infused with garlic, thyme, and nutmeg.
The green beans get tossed in this delicious sauce before being topped with crispy onions.
Finally, it all gets baked until hot and bubbly. Semplice, no?
Expert Tips
- Use fresh, quality ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook the green beans – they should still have a slight crunch.
- Make the cream sauce nice and thick for a luscious texture.
- Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or grated cheese on top for extra crunch.
Utensils You Need To Make this Green Bean Casserole
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- A large pot
- A colander or strainer
- A skillet or saucepan
- A whisk
- A casserole dish
- A knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Frequently asked questions about Green Bean Casserole and the Recipe
What kind of onions should I use for the crispy topping?
For the best flavor and crunch, we recommend using regular yellow, white, or red onions. Thinly slice them and fry them in a bit of oil or butter until golden and crispy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Assolutamente. This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Simply prepare everything up until the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, top with the crispy onions and bake as directed.
How do I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
It’s easy, bella. For a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. And to make it vegan, replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, use unsweetened plant-based milk, and skip the crispy fried onion topping (or use panko breadcrumbs). Delizioso.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Certo. Frozen green beans work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the casserole.
How can I add more flavor to this dish?
Ah, a question after my own heart. There are plenty of tasty ways to amp up the flavors. Try sautéing some mushrooms or shallots along with the garlic, or add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the cream sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or rosemary would also be delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, you can. This casserole is wonderful for meal prepping. Simply let it cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
What if I don’t have a casserole dish?
No casserole dish? No problema. You can easily bake this dish in a 9×13 baking pan or even an oven-safe skillet. Just be sure to grease the dish well before adding the green bean mixture.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Certo. This casserole would pair beautifully with some crispy bacon, diced ham, or sautéed chicken or turkey. Simply stir your favorite protein into the green bean mixture before baking. Delizioso.
