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Crispy Brown Butter Green Bean Casserole

Crispy Brown Butter Green Bean Casserole - featured image
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A nostalgic and flavorful green bean casserole featuring nutty brown butter, sharp cheddar, and a crispy panko-onion topping. This dish offers a perfect balance of texture and savory depth, making it an ideal side for holidays or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 1 lb frozen green beans)
  • Kosher salt (for boiling water)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup French fried onions
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch fresh green beans for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside. (If using frozen beans, thaw and drain well, skipping the blanching step).
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Swirl occasionally until the milk solids turn golden brown and smell like hazelnuts (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.
  4. Whisk the flour into the brown butter to form a smooth paste (roux).
  5. Slowly whisk in the broth to prevent lumps. Add heavy cream, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Whisk to combine.
  6. Return to low heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. In a baking dish, layer the green beans. Pour the sauce over the beans and toss gently to coat.
  8. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top.
  9. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, chopped thyme, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese, then top with French fried onions.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Watch the butter closely as it burns quickly. Blanching fresh beans ensures they stay crisp-tender. Grate your own cheese for better melting. For a gluten-free version, swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend and ensure broth/onions are GF. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and almond milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, brown butter, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving recipe, crispy green beans, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/crispy-brown-butter-green-bean-casserole-5-easy-steps/