Best Green Bean Casserole: A Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

When it comes to preparing for special occasions or gatherings, a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish is essential. Ba’s Best Green Bean Casserole is a classic recipe that has been passed down for generations, and it’s a dish that never goes out of style. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious casserole, including all the ingredients and cooking instructions. From the history of the dish to the health benefits of green beans, we’ve got it all covered.

Introduction

Green bean casserole is a classic American side dish that has been around for over six decades. The dish is made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It’s a staple of holiday dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings. Ba’s Best Green Bean Casserole takes the classic recipe to the next level with a homemade mushroom sauce, crispy bacon, and homemade fried onions. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.

History of Green Bean Casserole

The origins of the green bean casserole can be traced back to 1955, when it was reportedly created by the Campbell Soup Company. The dish was designed as a way to promote their cream of mushroom soup, which had been introduced two years earlier. The original recipe was simple and included only four ingredients: canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and French fried onions. The recipe became an instant hit and has been a staple of holiday dinners ever since.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• Prepare 1 1/2 pounds of fresh green beans by trimming and cutting them in half.
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Place a generously salted large pot of water over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5-6 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain the green beans and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, take out the bacon from the skillet and keep it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is lightly browned.
5. Add the chopped onion, celery, mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the mushrooms have released their liquid.

6. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens.
7. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it’s melted and fully incorporated.
8. Add the blanched green beans and cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
9. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for the topping.
10. Dip the sliced onions into the buttermilk, then coat them in the seasoned flour mixture.
11. Place a Dutch oven or large pot on medium-high heat and add vegetable oil to it, heating it up until it’s hot.
12. Fry the coated onions in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
13. Once the green bean mixture is ready, carefully move it to a baking dish that measures 9×13 inches.
14. Top the casserole with the crispy fried onions.
15. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Perfect Casserole

• Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
• Blanch the green beans for just a few minutes to retain their crunch and color.
• Make sure the mushroom sauce is thick and creamy before adding the green beans and bacon.
• Use homemade fried onions for the best flavor and texture.
• Fry the onions just before serving for maximum crispiness.

Health Benefits of Green Beans

Green beans are nutritious and delicious vegetables that offer a range of health benefits. Green beans are a nutrient-dense vegetable, containing high levels of fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, as well as beneficial antioxidants. Eating green beans regularly may help improve digestion, boost immunity, and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Serving Suggestions

Ba’s Best Green Bean Casserole is the perfect side dish for any occasion. It pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken, and can also be served as a vegetarian main dish.

Leftovers and Storage

Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350 degree F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

1. Is it feasible to replace fresh green beans with canned ones?

• Yes, you can use canned green beans in this recipe, but the texture may be softer than fresh.

2. Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

• Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

3. Can I use a different type of onion for the fried topping?

• Yes, you can use white or red onions instead of yellow onions for the topping.

4. Is it possible to substitute Parmesan cheese with a different type of cheese?

• Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or gruyere.

5. Can I omit the bacon to make the dish vegetarian?

• Yes, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian.

Conclusion

Ba’s Best Green Bean Casserole is a classic recipe that has been updated with homemade mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. From the history of the dish to the health benefits of green beans, we hope this article has provided you