In the culinary landscape of America, the green bean casserole stands as an iconic dish, a testament to the harmonious fusion of flavors and textures. This beloved casserole is a symphony of tender green beans enveloped in a creamy and flavorful sauce, crowned with a crispy layer of fried onions. Its origins can be traced back to the 1950s, when it emerged as a symbol of the post-war era, characterized by convenience and culinary ingenuity. Today, it remains a staple dish at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, evoking nostalgia and the warmth of shared meals.
This article presents a collection of meticulously crafted recipes, each offering a unique interpretation of this classic dish. From the traditional version, featuring the comforting flavors of cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions, to innovative variations that introduce unexpected ingredients and culinary techniques, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you seek a vegan rendition, a gluten-free alternative, or a healthier rendition that doesn't compromise on taste, you'll find inspiration and guidance within these pages.
AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
From The Cook's Country Cookbook. Excellent version of the Campbell's classic, made with fresh ingredients. Fantastic mushroom flavor!
Provided by Jmommy209
Categories Vegetable
Time 40m
Yield 3 qt, 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- For the topping: pulse the bread, softened butter, salt and pepper in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about ten 1-second pulses. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with the onions; set aside.
- For the beans: Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 375 degrees. Bring 4 qt water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tbsp salt and the beans. Cook until bright green and slightly crunchy, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the beans and plunge immediately into a large bowl filled with ice water to stop cooking. Spread the beans out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
- Meanwhile, cover the dried porcini mushrooms with 1/2 cup hot tap water in a small microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap, cut several steam vents with a paring knife, and microwave on high power for 30 seconds. Let stand until the mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes. Lift the mushrooms from the liquid with a fork and mince using a chef's knife (you should have about 2 tablespoons). Pour the liquid through a paper towel-lined sieve and reserve.
- Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until the foaming subsides, about 1 minute. Add the onion, button and cremini mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture, about 2 minutes. Add the porcini mushrooms along with their strained soaking liquid, thyme, 1 tsp salt and pepper; cook until all the mushrooms are tender and the liquid has reduced to 2 tablespoons, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the broth and reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the cream and simmer gently until the sauce has the consistency of a dense soup, about 15 minutes.
- Arrange the beans in a 3-quart gratin dish. Pour the mushroom mixture over the beans and mix to coat the beans evenly. Sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture and bake until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.
GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 55m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in the soup and cream and bring to a simmer. Add the Cheddar and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the green beans and toss to coat.
- Butter a 1 1/2-quart baking dish, spoon in the green bean mixture and top with the fried onions. Bake until bubbly, about 30 minutes.
BEST EVER GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
Go fresh with Alton Brown's Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole recipe from Good Eats on Food Network. Onions tossed in panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchy topping.
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories side-dish
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
- Combine the onions, flour, panko and salt in a large mixing bowl and toss to combine. Coat a sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray and evenly spread the onions on the pan. Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. Toss the onions 2 to 3 times during cooking. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside until ready to use. Turn the oven down to 400 degrees F.
- While the onions are cooking, prepare the beans. Bring a gallon of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil in an 8-quart saucepan. Add the beans and blanch for 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately plunge the beans into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to give up some of their liquid, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and nutmeg and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. Add the broth and simmer for 1 minute. Decrease the heat to medium-low and add the half-and-half. Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1/4 of the onions and all of the green beans. Top with the remaining onions. Place into the oven and bake until bubbly, approximately 15 minutes. Remove and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Choose fresh green beans. Fresh green beans are more flavorful and have a better texture than canned or frozen beans.
- Trim the green beans. Trim the ends of the green beans before cooking. This will help them cook evenly.
- Blanch the green beans. Blanching the green beans before adding them to the casserole helps them retain their color and crispness.
- Use a creamy soup. A creamy soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery, helps to make the casserole creamy and flavorful.
- Add some cheese. Cheese is a classic addition to green bean casserole. You can use cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or a combination of both.
- Top with crispy onions. Crispy onions add a nice crunch and flavor to the casserole. You can use store-bought crispy onions or make your own.
Conclusion:
Green bean casserole is a classic American side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With these tips, you can make the best green bean casserole that everyone will love.
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