Description
Green bean casserole from the Pioneer Woman elevates classic comfort with fresh mushrooms and a crispy onion topping. Creamy, savory layers promise a delightful side dish you’ll savor at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds green beans, trimmed
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 stick (113 g) salted butter
- 2 ½ cups (590 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) half-and-half
- ¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsps pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ cup toasted sliced almonds
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bacon Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and position a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer, then whisk dark brown sugar and maple syrup to create a glaze.
- Glazing and Roasting: Warm glaze briefly in microwave, brush generously over bacon slices. Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even caramelization and crisp edges.
- Bacon Processing: Remove bacon, cool on paper towels for 20 minutes, then chop into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Green Bean Blanching: Bring salted water to a boil, add green beans, and cook 3-4 minutes until vibrant and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to ice water bath to stop cooking and preserve color.
- Mushroom Sauce Base: Melt butter in pot, sauté sliced mushrooms and minced shallots with salt and pepper until golden and moisture evaporates. Sprinkle flour to create a roux.
- Cream Sauce Development: Gradually whisk milk and half-and-half into mushroom mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- Casserole Assembly: Combine green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy sauce in a mixing bowl. Transfer to baking dish and bake 15-20 minutes until bubbling and thoroughly heated.
Notes
- Bacon Glazing Technique: Warm the glaze briefly to improve spreadability and ensure even caramelization on each slice.
- Bean Blanching Secret: Quickly plunge green beans into ice water after boiling to lock in vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
- Mushroom Sautéing Tip: Allow mushrooms to release moisture completely and turn golden brown for maximum flavor development.
- Roux Whisking Hack: Add milk gradually and stir continuously to prevent lumpy sauce and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg