Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole – The green bean casserole was first created in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company.  The original inspiration was to make use of 2 items that most American families always had on hand. Green beans and cream of mushroom soup.  Perhaps, it was also to ensure that most American families always had those items on hand.  Regardless of the original intent, it’s been a staple dish on supper and special occasion tables all over the country ever since.

This updated version was shared with me by a very dear friend and fantastic cook, Lynn.  Lynn took on the task of updating and re-creating this classic dish to her taste.  I’m so glad she did, I love her take on this casserole, and I’m delighted she allowed me to pass on her creation to all of you. Thanks Lynn, it’s a keeper in my cookbook!

 

Ingredients you’ll need:
1 1/2 lb frozen whole green beans [i.e. 2 [12] oz pkg Steamfresh Whole Green Beans]
5 slices bacon, diced
1 medium sweet onion, diced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp granulated garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder
2 1/2 tsp Mrs Dash original blend
salt and black pepper to taste
1 [14.5] oz can chicken stock
1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
1 cup baby portabella mushrooms, sliced
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Topping:
1 cup panko bread crumbs
3 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup sliced almonds for garnishing
spray oil or cooking spray

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.  Spray an 8 x 12 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Place the frozen green beans into a microwave safe bowl and  microwave for 8 minutes. Drain well then set aside to cool slightly.  In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon and onion together.  Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.

Cook over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked.  Add 1/2 cup all purpose flour to the pan.  Stir until it resembles a paste.  If needed, add chicken broth, additional butter or bacon fat to thin.  Add the granulated or powdered garlic and Mrs Dash seasoning.

Slowly pour in the turkey/chicken stock and milk, stirring constantly until the flour is dissolved and no lumps remain.  The sauce will immediately begin to thicken. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper to your taste.  Add the green beans, mushrooms and 1 cup Parmesan cheese.  Stir until evenly coated.  Pour into the prepared baking dish.

To make the topping:
Finely dice the bacon by hand or in a food processor. [Partially frozen bacon makes this task much easier.]   Toss with the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.  Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.  Sprinkle with sliced almonds.  Spritz the top lightly with cooking spray or spray oil.

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Green Bean Casserole

Servings 9

Author Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb frozen whole green beans [i.e. 2 [12] oz pkg Steamfresh Whole Green Beans]
• 5 slices bacon diced
• 1 medium sweet onion diced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp granulated garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 1/2 tsp Mrs Dash original blend
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 [14.5] oz can chicken stock
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup baby portabella mushrooms sliced
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• Topping:
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 3 slices bacon chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds for garnishing
• spray oil or cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray an 8 x 12 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Place the frozen green beans into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes. Drain well then set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon and onion together. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
4. Cook over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Add 1/2 cup all purpose flour to the pan. Stir until it resembles a paste. If needed, add chicken broth, additional butter or bacon fat to thin. Add the granulated or powdered garlic and Mrs Dash seasoning.
5. Slowly pour in the turkey/chicken stock and milk, stirring constantly until the flour is dissolved and no lumps remain. The sauce will immediately begin to thicken. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper to your taste.
6. Add the green beans, mushrooms and 1 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until evenly coated.
7. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
8. To make the topping: Finely dice the bacon by hand or in a food processor. [Partially frozen bacon makes this task much easier.]
9. Toss with the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
10. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
11. Spritz the top lightly with cooking spray or spray oil.
12. Bake for 35 minutes. Place aluminum foil over the top to prevent over browning if needed. Allow to rest on the counter for 5-10 minutes prior to serving.