Parmesan Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole. Just the name evokes memories of holiday feasts, potlucks with friends, and cozy family dinners. For years, it was a staple on our Thanksgiving table, a dish that everyone expected and enjoyed. But if I’m being completely honest, it was… well, a little predictable. That’s until I stumbled upon a recipe that promised to breathe new life into this classic comfort food: Parmesan Green Bean Casserole. Intrigued by the addition of Parmesan, I decided to give it a try, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. The subtle nutty, savory notes of Parmesan elevated the familiar creamy casserole to a whole new level of deliciousness. The kids, who are usually picky eaters, devoured it, and my husband declared it the best green bean casserole he’d ever had. Since then, this Parmesan version has become our new family favorite, a dish that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. If you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication and irresistible flavor to your green bean casserole, look no further. This recipe is guaranteed to impress, whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight meal. Get ready to rediscover the magic of green bean casserole – Parmesan style!

Ingredients

• Fresh Green Beans: 2 pounds, trimmed and halved. The star of the dish, providing a fresh and crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. You can also use frozen green beans, but fresh are highly recommended for optimal taste and texture.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 (10.75 ounce) cans. The creamy base of the casserole, providing richness and a classic flavor that complements the green beans and Parmesan. Look for a good quality cream of mushroom soup for the best results.
• Milk: ½ cup. Adds moisture and thins out the cream of mushroom soup to create a perfect sauce consistency. You can use whole milk, 2%, or even a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk for a lighter option.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, plus extra for topping. This is the key ingredient that elevates this casserole! Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and savory depth of flavor that takes the traditional green bean casserole to a new level. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, for topping. Shredded Parmesan provides a lovely melted cheesy topping that browns beautifully in the oven, adding visual appeal and extra cheesy goodness.
• Crispy Fried Onions: 1 ½ cups, divided. The iconic topping for green bean casserole! Crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch and savory onion flavor. Divide them, using some inside the casserole for flavor and texture, and the rest on top for that classic crispy finish.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted. Used for sautéing the green beans (optional step for deeper flavor) and adding richness to the casserole.
• Salt: To taste. Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Be mindful of salt content in the cream of mushroom soup and Parmesan cheese when seasoning.
• Black Pepper: To taste. Adds a touch of warmth and spice to balance the richness of the casserole. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its bolder flavor.
• Optional: Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon. A subtle addition that enhances the savory notes of the casserole. Garlic powder complements both the Parmesan and the mushroom soup beautifully.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
2. Blanch the Green Beans (Recommended): Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed and halved green beans and blanch them for 3-5 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Blanching helps to retain the vibrant color and slightly crisp texture of the green beans after baking. Immediately transfer the blanched green beans to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the green beans thoroughly. This step is crucial for preventing mushy green beans in your casserole.
3. Sauté Green Beans (Optional for Deeper Flavor): For an extra layer of flavor, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the blanched and drained green beans and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened and lightly browned. Sautéing adds a subtle nutty and caramelized flavor to the green beans, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth and well combined. This creates the creamy sauce base for the casserole.
5. Add Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder (if using) to the soup mixture. Mix well to ensure the Parmesan is evenly distributed and the seasonings are incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, remembering that Parmesan cheese is already salty.
6. Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Add the blanched (and sautéed, if you chose to sauté them) green beans to the bowl with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the green beans evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Ensure all the green beans are well coated for a flavorful and cohesive casserole.
7. Add Crispy Fried Onions (Partially): Take half of the crispy fried onions (about ¾ cup) and gently stir them into the green bean mixture. This adds flavor and texture throughout the casserole, not just on top.
8. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. Top with Parmesan and Crispy Onions: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the green bean mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions (about ¾ cup) over the shredded Parmesan. This creates a beautiful golden brown and crispy topping during baking.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
11. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Resting also helps to prevent burning your mouth on a too-hot casserole!

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated Nutrition Facts per Serving – Servings: 8)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Calories: 250-300 kcal (Calories can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used) – Provides energy for your body.
• Total Fat: 15-20g (Includes fats from cream of mushroom soup, Parmesan, and butter/fried onions) – Important for satiety and nutrient absorption.
• Saturated Fat: 8-12g (Primarily from dairy in soup and Parmesan) – Consume in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• Sodium: 500-700mg (Sodium content is mainly from cream of mushroom soup, Parmesan, and salt added) – Be mindful if you are watching your sodium intake.
• Protein: 8-10g (Protein from green beans, Parmesan, and cream of mushroom soup) – Essential for building and repairing tissues.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes. For accurate nutritional information, refer to product labels and use a nutrition calculator.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (Includes trimming and blanching green beans, preparing sauce, and assembling casserole). This recipe is relatively quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (Baking time in the oven). The baking time is relatively short, ensuring the casserole is ready in under an hour from start to finish.
• Total Time: 40-50 minutes (From start to finish, including preparation and baking). A delicious and comforting side dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen!

How to Serve

Parmesan Green Bean Casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Holiday Feasts:
  • Thanksgiving Dinner: A classic addition to your Thanksgiving spread, alongside turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
  • Christmas Dinner: Perfectly complements ham, roast beef, or goose for a festive holiday meal.
  • Easter Brunch/Dinner: A delicious side dish to serve with lamb, ham, or a spring-inspired main course.
• Family Dinners & Weeknight Meals:
  • Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The creamy casserole provides a wonderful contrast to savory roasted poultry.
  • Baked Ham or Pork Loin: The Parmesan flavor complements the sweetness of ham and pork.
  • Steak or Beef Roast: A comforting and flavorful side dish to accompany a hearty beef main course.
  • Meatloaf or Salisbury Steak: Classic comfort food pairings that are sure to please.
  • Vegetarian Main Courses:
    • Lentil Loaf or Nut Roast: Provides a creamy and cheesy element to vegetarian meals.
    • Quiche or Vegetarian Casseroles: Pairs well with other vegetable-based dishes for a balanced meal.
• Potlucks and Gatherings:
  • Bring-a-Dish Parties: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
  • BBQs and Cookouts: A comforting side dish to balance grilled meats and salads.
  • Casual Get-Togethers: Perfect for any occasion where you need a delicious and easy-to-serve side.

Additional Tips for the Best Parmesan Green Bean Casserole

1. Use Fresh Green Beans for Superior Texture: While frozen green beans can be used in a pinch, fresh green beans will provide a much better texture and less watery casserole. Fresh green beans retain their crisp-tenderness and don’t become mushy as easily as frozen ones.
2. Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: Whether you blanch or sauté them, avoid overcooking the green beans before baking. They will continue to cook in the oven, and overcooked green beans will become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp before baking.
3. Make Your Own Cream of Mushroom Soup (From Scratch): For an even richer and more flavorful casserole, consider making your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch. Homemade soup allows you to control the ingredients and flavor profile, resulting in a truly gourmet casserole. Many recipes online are readily available for homemade cream of mushroom soup.
4. Enhance the Parmesan Flavor: Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese and consider adding a little extra grated Parmesan directly into the sauce for an even more pronounced Parmesan flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is key for the best taste and melting quality.
5. Spice it Up! Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. This will add a subtle kick that complements the Parmesan and creamy flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
6. Make it Ahead of Time: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Bake it as directed when you are ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. This is a great time-saver for busy holidays.
7. Customize Your Topping: While crispy fried onions are classic, you can experiment with other toppings. Try toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, or even some toasted pecans or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
8. Adjust Baking Time for Desired Crispness: If you prefer a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking time, watching carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, if you want a softer topping, you can reduce the baking time slightly.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Green Bean Casserole

Q1: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen green beans if fresh are not available. However, be sure to thaw them completely and drain them very well to remove excess moisture before using. Frozen green beans tend to be a bit more watery than fresh, so draining them is crucial to prevent a soggy casserole. Fresh green beans are still recommended for the best texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian/vegan?
A: To make it vegetarian, simply ensure your cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian-friendly (some contain chicken broth). To make it vegan, you will need to substitute several ingredients. Use vegan cream of mushroom soup, a plant-based milk alternative, and nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative for the Parmesan. Vegan crispy fried onions are also available, but check the ingredients to be sure.

Q3: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: To make this casserole gluten-free, you will need to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free crispy fried onions. Many brands now offer gluten-free versions of these products. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q4: How long can I store leftover Parmesan Green Bean Casserole?
A: Leftover Parmesan Green Bean Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q5: Can I freeze Parmesan Green Bean Casserole?
A: While you can technically freeze green bean casserole, the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. The creamy sauce can sometimes become a bit grainy. For best results, it’s recommended to consume it fresh or within a few days of making it. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q6: How do I reheat leftover green bean casserole?
A: Reheat leftover green bean casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in shorter intervals, stirring occasionally, but the topping may not be as crispy. To crisp up the topping during reheating in the oven, you can broil it for the last minute or two, watching carefully.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to this casserole to customize it. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or even some cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor and heartiness. Just be mindful of adding too many ingredients, which could affect the sauce-to-vegetable ratio.

Q8: My casserole is watery, what did I do wrong?
A: A watery casserole can be caused by a few factors. If using frozen green beans, not draining them thoroughly enough is a common culprit. Also, over-blanching or overcooking the green beans can release excess moisture. Using too much milk in the sauce or not baking it long enough to allow the sauce to thicken can also lead to a watery casserole. Ensure you drain green beans well, blanch them briefly, use the correct amount of milk, and bake until bubbly and golden. If your casserole still seems watery after baking, you can try broiling it briefly to help evaporate some of the excess liquid, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.

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