Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that is loved for its creamy texture and crispy topping. This recipe puts a twist on the traditional dish by adding bacon and mushrooms for extra flavor. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey and other side dishes.
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole
- 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup fried onions, for topping
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside.
- Saute the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Green Beans: Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the green bean mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.
- Add the Topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle the fried onions over the top of the casserole. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the green bean casserole hot as a side dish for your Thanksgiving meal.
About the Main Ingredients
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star of this dish. They add a bright, crisp texture and a fresh flavor to the casserole.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the casserole. It pairs perfectly with the earthy mushrooms and savory sauce.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms add an umami-rich flavor to the casserole. They also add a meaty texture that complements the green beans.
Onion and Garlic: Onion and garlic add depth of flavor to the casserole. They are sautéed until soft and translucent to release their sweetness.
Creamy Sauce: The creamy sauce is made with a combination of chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, and flour. It coats the green beans and mushrooms, creating a rich and decadent dish.
Fried Onions: Fried onions are a classic topping for green bean casserole. They add a crunchy texture and a savory flavor that complements the creamy casserole.
This Green Bean Casserole recipe is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. The combination of fresh green beans, savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce is irresistible. Enjoy!
