From-Scratch Green Bean Casserole with Extra Crunchy Topping
Yield: 8Servings
Prep Time: 40 minutesmins
Cook Time: 50 minutesmins
Total Time: 1 hourhr30 minutesmins
Ingredients
Topping:
½cuppanko bread crumbs
1tablespoonbutter, melted
2 ½cupscanned fried onions
Casserole:
2poundsfresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
3tablespoonsbutter
1poundcremini or baby bella mushrooms, chopped
¼teaspoondried thyme
2garlic cloves, finely minced
1teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonblack pepper
¼cupall-purpose flour
1 ½cupschicken broth, I use low-sodium
¾cupheavy cream
¾cupmilk, 1%, 2% or whole
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking dish and set aside.
For the topping, in a medium bowl stir together the panko bread crumbs and the melted butter. Add the fried onions and toss.
For the casserole, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the green beans and 1/2 cup water. Cover and microwave for 6-8 minutes, stirring once, until the green beans are slightly tender (they'll cook longer in a later step).
Drain the green beans and transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
In a 12-inch nonstick skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, until the liquid is mostly evaporated and the mushrooms are tender, 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until it is all incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Add the heavy cream and milk, and whisk until well-combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
Pour the sauce over the green beans and toss to combine.
Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, until the green beans are mostly tender. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the top. Bake for another 5-10 minutes (watch carefully so the topping doesn't burn).
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead: I think this could definitely be made ahead of time. Store the topping separately, and refrigerate the assembled (but not baked) green bean casserole, covered, for a day or so. Then bake as directed (adding a few minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled casserole).