Green bean casserole is a long time Thanksgiving staple, and while the original recipe is super delicious its not exactly fresh or super healthy. For my version I sauté onions and mushrooms then add mushroom broth and a touch of half and half to make a creamy sauce that gets mixed with roasted fresh green beans. Everything is topped off with homemade breadcrumbs and bacon then baked until golden brown.
Ingredients -
2 pounds fresh green beans - trimmed
1 medium onion - diced
8 oz sliced mushrooms
3 T olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 T butter
1/4 flour
3 cups mushroom broth or vegetable broth - Pacific brand has a great mushroom broth
1/3 cup half and half
5 slices bacon - cooked and chopped
2 cups breadcrumbs - homemade or panko
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the green beans on a large baking sheet, toss them with olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast the beans in the oven until they are starting to brown. About 20 minutes.
While the green beans are roasting make the mushroom sauce. In a large skillet heat the 3 T of olive oil. Add the onions, salt, and pepper, and sauté until they are starting to brown. Add the mushrooms and continue to cook until the mushrooms are also starting to brown. Melt in the 2 T of butter then add the flour and stir to evenly coat the mushrooms and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes stirring frequently. Add the broth to the pan stirring well so all the flour is incorporated into the liquid and any browned bits are scraped up from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken. Stir in the half and half. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Place the green beans in a baking dish, pour the mushroom sauce over beans and stir gently to combine.
To make homemade breadcrumbs, tear about 1/3 of a loaf of crusty French bread into large chunks and place them in the food processor. Pulse until small crumbs are formed. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet, add the breadcrumbs and cook until they are golden brown and crunchy.
Combine the breadcrumbs with the bacon and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the green beans.
Reduce the oven heat to 375 degrees and bake the casserole until it is bubbling and the topping is browned. About 15-20 minutes.
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