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Crispy Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole

crispy make-ahead green bean casserole - featured image
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A stress-free, make-ahead green bean casserole that delivers creamy sauce and crunchy onions without the hassle. Perfect for holiday hosting, this recipe allows you to assemble it in advance and bake it just before serving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs fresh or frozen green beans
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 bag French-fried onions (store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Prep the green beans: Trim ends if fresh, or thaw and pat dry completely if frozen.
  2. Sauté the onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Once smooth, add heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until thickened slightly, then remove from heat.
  5. Combine ingredients: In a 9×13 baking dish, combine green beans and the sauce. Stir to coat evenly and adjust seasoning.
  6. Make-ahead step (Optional): Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If baking from cold, let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly.
  8. Add topping: Remove from oven, sprinkle French-fried onions evenly over the top. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes to warm, or broil for 1 minute to crisp.
  9. Rest and serve: Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Notes

The key to this recipe is keeping the fried onions separate until the very end to maintain crunch. If using frozen beans, ensure they are thoroughly dried to prevent a watery sauce. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and butter for vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, make-ahead recipe, holiday side dish, crispy onions, comfort food, easy dinner, vegetarian option

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/crispy-make-ahead-green-bean-casserole-5-easy-steps/