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Homemade Green Bean Casserole

A flavorful and easy green bean casserole made from scratch, offering a creamy, savory delight with a crunchy topping, perfect for holidays or weeknights.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Pot For blanching green beans.
  • Skillet Large skillet for sautéing aromatics and making sauce.
  • Baking dish
  • Small bowl For preparing the topping.

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs fresh green beans trimmed and halved
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cup cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 0.5 cup grated aged cheddar optional

For the Topping

  • 0.5 cup sliced almonds lightly crushed
  • 0.25 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • smoked paprika or nutmeg Pinch, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Blanch the green beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook trimmed green beans for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside.
    1.5 lbs fresh green beans
  • Sauté the aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
    1.5 lbs fresh green beans
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
    1.5 lbs fresh green beans
  • Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic and stir for about 1 minute.
    1.5 lbs fresh green beans
  • Whisk in liquids: Slowly whisk in milk and cream, a little at a time, ensuring smoothness. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
    1.5 lbs fresh green beans
  • Flavor the sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    1.5 lbs fresh green beans
  • Add cheddar (optional): If using, stir in grated cheddar until melted.
    1.5 lbs fresh green beans
  • Combine: Gently fold blanched green beans into the creamy sauce, ensuring they are all coated.
    1.5 lbs fresh green beans
  • Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine lightly crushed almonds, grated Parmesan, olive oil, and optional smoked paprika or nutmeg. Mix well.
    1.5 lbs fresh green beans
  • Assemble: Pour the green bean and sauce mixture into a baking dish.
  • Top: Sprinkle the almond topping evenly over the green beans.
    1.5 lbs fresh green beans
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Notes

You can prepare the green beans and sauce a day in advance and store them separately. Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave; the topping may lose some crispness.