Homemade Green Bean Casserole
User Reviews
5
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Description
This recipe begins by parboiling fresh green beans to maintain their bright color and tender-crisp texture, then shocking them in cold water to stop cooking. Meanwhile, a creamy base is prepared by making a roux with butter and flour, then incorporating cream cheese, sour cream, and cream along with seasonings to create a smooth, rich sauce. The green beans are coated gently with this mixture before being transferred to a baking dish. Optionally, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese can be sprinkled on top. A topping made from crushed crackers or cornflakes mixed with melted butter and French fried onions is added to create a crunchy, golden finish when baked at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
The casserole contrasts tender green beans and creamy sauce with a crisp topping, making it a classic side dish suitable for family meals or gatherings. The creamy texture pairs well with the fresh green beans without overwhelming them.
If fresh green beans are in microwaveable steamer bags, they may be microwaved briefly as a shortcut, skipping the parboiling step. The casserole can be made ahead and chilled, then allowed to come to room temperature before baking, providing flexibility in timing.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Green bean rinsed and trimmed, fresh
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup cream heavy or whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Cracker Ritz or Townhouse crackers work well, crushed
- 1/2 cup cornflake
- 1/2 cup French fried onion
- 1 tbsp butter melted
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded or grated, or Monterey jack cheese, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large pot boil water for green beans. Boil green beans for 3-4 minutes, just enough to parboil them. Drain beans and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Pat dry. Beans will finish cooking in oven.
- In a large pan over medium heat, add and melt 2 tbsp of butter. Sprinkle flour into butter, then immediately whisk to combine well, for approximately one minute. Add sugar and salt, and mix to combine. Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese. Mix until well combined and smooth. Turn off heat and add in sour cream, stirring until smooth. Stir in cream until well combined.
- Combine green beans and cream mixture, gently mixing together to coat well.
- Transfer green beans to a 13x9 baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. If desired, sprinkle cheese over top of casserole. In a separate bowl combine remaining melted butter with cracker crumbs or fried onions. Sprinkle mixture over casserole. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until top is bubbly and cheese is starting to brown.
Notes
- Microwaving green beans in a steamer bag for part of the cooking time can replace parboiling, streamlining preparation.
- The casserole can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated; remove from the fridge 30-40 minutes before baking to reduce chill.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 187kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 44mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 384mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 295mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1297IU | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 85mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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