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The green bean casserole is an iconic dish that has firmly established itself as a staple in American cuisine, particularly during holiday seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Families across the nation gather around the table to celebrate with this beloved recipe, which perfectly combines tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce topped with crispy fried onions. Despite its longstanding tradition, there is always room for creativity in the kitchen. Enter the Crunchy Caramelized Green Bean Casserole—a delightful twist on the classic that introduces an irresistible layer of crunch and caramelization, transforming this familiar dish into a gourmet experience.

Green Bean Casserole

Discover a delightful twist on the classic green bean casserole with this Crunchy Caramelized Green Bean Casserole recipe. Combining tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce, this updated version adds a satisfying layer of crunch with caramelized toppings. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for holiday celebrations or weeknight dinners. Make it the star of your table and impress your family and friends with this gourmet take on a beloved favorite.

Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)

1 cup vegetable broth

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 cup French-fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare the Green Beans: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and transfer them into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.

      Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

        Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and continue to sauté until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing their juices to release.

          Combine the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, vegetable broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to create a smooth mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, green beans, and the soup mixture. Gently fold in half of the French-fried onions and cheese, if using.

              Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

                Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions on top of the casserole. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

                  Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crunchy and creamy green bean casserole!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | Serves 6-8