How to Make a Green Bean Casserole from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide
A classic Thanksgiving side dish, green bean casserole is a staple in many American households during the holiday season. But did you know that it’s surprisingly easy to make a delicious and authentic green bean casserole from scratch? In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making a mouthwatering green bean casserole from scratch, step by step.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s start with the essential ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup French-fried onions
Preparing the Green Beans
First, let’s get started with the green beans. If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 4-5 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside. If using frozen green beans, thaw them first according to the package instructions.
Making the Mornay Sauce
While the green beans are cooking, let’s prepare the Mornay sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Flour and Milk:
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Assembling the Casserole
Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C).
Layer 1: Green Beans:
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked green beans evenly over the bottom. Set aside.
Layer 2: Mornay Sauce:
Pour the Mornay sauce over the green beans.
Layer 3: Cheddar Cheese:
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese over the Mornay sauce.
Layer 4: French-fried Onions:
Sprinkle 1 cup of French-fried onions evenly over the cheese.
Baileys 5: Creme fraiche:
Dollop 1/4 cup of creme fraiche over the French-fried onions.
Baking the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Tips and Variations
- To make this recipe more substantial, add 1-2 cups of cooked ground turkey or chicken to the Mornay sauce.
- For an added burst of flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the Mornay sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter, less dense casserole, use 1/4 cup of heavy cream instead of 1/2 cup.
- For a crispy, golden-brown topping, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs over the French-fried onions before baking.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a mouthwatering green bean casserole made from scratch! With these simple steps and a few essential ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Recipe Summary:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup French-fried onions
Instructions:
- Prepare the green beans (blanch or thaw).
- Make the Mornay sauce (melt butter, add onion and garlic, then whisk in flour and milk).
- Assemble the casserole (layer green beans, Mornay sauce, cheddar cheese, and French-fried onions).
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes with aluminum foil, then 10-15 minutes without foil.
Enjoy your delicious homemade green bean casserole!