Decadent Blue Cheese Green Bean Gratin
Elevate your holiday table or special occasion with this cheesy and creamy green bean gratin. Rich blue cheese, velvety cream, and a crispy breadcrumb topping culminate in a dish that turns the classic green bean casserole into an unforgettable indulgence. It's a dish designed for savoring once or twice a year, offering a luxurious twist on a vegetable dish that your guests will love.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh green beans
1.5 lbs (washed and trimmed)
blue cheese
3 ounces (crumbled)
heavy cream
1 pint (none)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until just tender yet still crisp.
3
Drain the green beans and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
5
Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Spread one-third of the breadcrumb mixture across the bottom of the dish.
6
Arrange the blanched green beans in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the green beans.
7
Pour the heavy cream over the entire mixture, ensuring even distribution.
8
Top with the remaining breadcrumb mixture and season with fresh ground pepper to taste.
9
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
10
Allow the gratin to rest for about 5 minutes before serving, allowing it to cool slightly and the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Blue Cheese Green Bean Gratin?
It is a luxurious and creamy vegetable side dish that combines fresh green beans with rich blue cheese, heavy cream, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long should I boil the green beans?
Boil the green beans for 5 to 6 minutes in lightly salted water until they are just tender yet still crisp.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: fresh green beans, blue cheese, heavy cream, butter, plain breadcrumbs, and fresh ground pepper.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
Combine 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup of melted butter in a small bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand.
What is the first step in assembling the gratin?
After spraying the dish with cooking spray, spread one-third of the breadcrumb mixture across the bottom.
How much blue cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
How much heavy cream should I use?
Use 1 pint of heavy cream, pouring it evenly over the green beans and cheese.
How long does the gratin need to bake?
Bake the casserole for approximately 15 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Why should I pat the green beans dry?
Patting them dry removes excess moisture, ensuring the gratin cream sauce doesn't become too watery.
What size of green beans should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of fresh green beans that have been washed and trimmed.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically described as an elevated dish perfect for a holiday table or special occasion.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, allow the gratin to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the sauce set slightly.
Can I use panko instead of plain breadcrumbs?
While the recipe calls for plain breadcrumbs, panko could be used for an extra crunchy texture.
What kind of pepper is best for seasoning?
The recipe recommends 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper, or more to taste.
Is this a vegetarian dish?
Yes, this dish is categorized under Vegetable and contains no meat products.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking?
Lightly spray your casserole dish with cooking spray before beginning the assembly.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
While blue cheese gives the dish its unique flavor, you could try Gorgonzola for a similar profile or a milder cheese if preferred.
What is the texture of the finished topping?
The topping should be golden brown and crispy, providing a contrast to the creamy sauce.
Is this a low-calorie recipe?
No, this is described as a decadent and indulgent dish designed for occasional special events.
Can I add garlic to the recipe?
While not in the original 6 ingredients, adding minced garlic to the breadcrumbs or cream would be a common variation.
Can I prepare the beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can blanch and dry the beans in advance to save time on the day of serving.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is rich, creamy, and savory with the distinct tang of blue cheese.
Is this a traditional green bean casserole?
It is a luxurious twist on the classic, replacing canned soup and fried onions with heavy cream and blue cheese.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I distribute the heavy cream?
Pour the heavy cream over the entire mixture, ensuring it is distributed evenly across the beans.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh beans are recommended for the best texture, but frozen beans can be used if thawed and dried thoroughly.
What should I look for to know it's done?
The mixture should be bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumb top should have a golden hue.