Forget everything you know about boring, soggy green bean casseroles! This fresh, gourmet twist on a classic American side dish is about to become the star of your next meal. Imagine crisp green beans bathed in a creamy sauce, topped with irresistibly caramelized onion breadcrumbs that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe transforms the humble green bean into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly and trim off the tough ends. Cut them into roughly 2-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer the beans to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the blanched green beans and pat them dry with paper towels. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixture over the green beans, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix caramelized onions with breadcrumbs. If desired, add a pinch of dried thyme or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle the caramelized onion breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the green beans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Always blanch your green beans to maintain their bright color and crisp texture. The ice bath is crucial for stopping the cooking process.
- Take your time caramelizing the onions - low and slow is the key to developing rich, sweet flavor.
- Pat the green beans completely dry before adding the sauce to prevent a watery casserole.
- For extra crunch, consider adding some toasted sliced almonds or crushed pecans to the breadcrumb topping.
- If you want to make this ahead of time, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible - they create a more delicate and flavorful topping than store-bought.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
