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Crispy Green Bean Casserole: Best Easy Make-Ahead Recipe

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A stress-free, make-ahead green bean casserole featuring tender blanched beans in a rich homemade roux sauce, topped with crispy fried onions and parmesan for perfect texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt (for blanching water)
  • 1 cup ice water (for ice bath)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for sauce)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg, ground
  • 2 cups French’s fried onions (or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated finely

Instructions

  1. Wash, trim, and cut green beans into 1.5-inch pieces.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water.
  3. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Immediately transfer beans to the ice water bath for 2 minutes to stop cooking, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes until light blonde.
  6. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer until thickened.
  7. Stir the blanched green beans into the sauce until coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 baking dish. Cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours if making ahead.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and toss with fried onions and parmesan.
  10. Remove plastic wrap from casserole. Sprinkle onion-parmesan topping evenly over the top.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and topping is golden brown. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  12. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure green beans are patted completely dry after the ice bath to prevent a watery casserole. The ice bath is critical for maintaining vibrant green color and crisp texture. If baking from the fridge, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. For a gluten-free version, use GF flour and certified GF fried onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, make-ahead recipe, holiday side dish, crispy onions, comfort food, Thanksgiving, Christmas, easy dinner

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/crispy-green-bean-casserole-best-easy-make-ahead-recipe/