I may be a little bit obsessed here, but truly I’m not sure if there is a better side dish than green bean casserole. That being said a soup can never comes into play when I’m in charge.
Here are three delicious green bean casserole recipes featuring a homemade cream sauce base and a unique twist for your next holiday gathering:
Classic Green Bean Casserole with French Onion and Panko Topping
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup French fried onions
Directions:
- Prepare Green Beans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onions and sauté until they’re soft and golden. Add flour, whisking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and stock until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper, and add mushrooms if using.
- Combine and Bake: Add green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle with Panko bread crumbs and French fried onions.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
Italian-Inspired Green Bean and Spinach Casserole with French Onion and Panko Topping
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (such as oregano, basil, and thyme) to taste
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup French fried onions
Directions:
- Prepare Green Beans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onions and sauté until golden. Add flour, whisking to create a roux. Slowly add heavy cream and stock, whisking until smooth—season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine and Bake: Add green beans and spinach to the sauce, stirring to coat. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Add Topping: Top with Panko bread crumbs and French fried onions.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Green Bean and Turkey Casserole with French Onion and Panko Topping
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder, to taste
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup French fried onions
Directions:
- Prepare Green Beans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Turkey: In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium heat until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onions and sauté until golden. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a roux. Gradually add heavy cream and stock, whisking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Bake: Add green beans and cooked turkey to the sauce, stirring until combined. Pour into a baking dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle with Panko bread crumbs and French fried onions.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Enjoy these cozy, flavorful casseroles as a perfect side or main dish this season!
