Herbed Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar Crust
Revitalize your holiday or weeknight dinner with this Herb-Infused Green Bean Casserole, a fresh twist on the classic dish we all know and love. This recipe ditches the canned soup and fried onions in favor of a homemade creamy sauce enriched with aromatic herbs, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfectly cooked green beans are enveloped in a luscious sour cream mixture, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Optional cooking sherry adds a depth of flavor that truly elevates this dish. Serve it alongside your favorite roasted meats or at your next family gathering, and watch it disappear!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1/2 cup (minced)
dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon
dried parsley
1 tablespoon (minced)
butter
2 tablespoons (for sautéing and greasing)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
flour
1 tablespoon
minced lemon peel
1/2 tablespoon
sour cream
1 cup
cooking sherry
2 tablespoons (optional)
frozen French-cut green beans
20 ounces
sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Prepare the green beans by cooking them according to the package instructions until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced onion, thyme, and parsley, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3
Stir in the salt, pepper, flour, and lemon peel, mixing thoroughly to create a roux. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4
Slowly incorporate the sour cream and cooking sherry into the pan, stirring constantly. Keep the mixture on low heat, allowing it to warm through for about 3 minutes until smooth.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
Grease a medium to large casserole dish with butter. Layer the cooked and drained green beans into the dish, followed by pouring the sour cream mixture over the beans. Gently stir to ensure the beans are well-coated.
7
Evenly sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole, creating a beautiful crust.
8
Transfer the casserole to the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Green Bean Casserole with Cheddar Crust?
It is a fresh twist on the classic holiday dish that replaces canned soup and fried onions with a homemade creamy herb sauce and a crunchy cheddar breadcrumb topping.
Does this recipe use canned cream of mushroom soup?
No, this recipe avoids canned soup entirely, using a homemade mixture of butter, flour, sour cream, and herbs to create a luscious sauce.
What type of green beans are recommended for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for 20 ounces of frozen French-cut green beans.
What ingredients are used in the cheddar crust?
The crust is made from a combination of grated sharp cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
How long should I bake the green bean casserole?
The casserole should be baked for 20 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Is there a specific way to prepare the green beans before baking?
Yes, cook the green beans according to the package instructions until they are tender-crisp, then drain them before adding them to the casserole dish.
What herbs are used to flavor the sauce?
The recipe uses dried thyme leaves and minced dried parsley for an aromatic herbal flavor.
What is the secret ingredient for depth of flavor in this sauce?
The recipe suggests adding two tablespoons of optional cooking sherry to elevate the flavor profile.
Is this green bean casserole vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
How do I make the roux for the creamy sauce?
Melt butter, sauté minced onion and herbs, then stir in salt, pepper, flour, and lemon peel, cooking for 2 minutes.
What role does sour cream play in this recipe?
Sour cream is incorporated into the roux to create a thick, creamy, and tangy base for the green beans.
Can I use fresh lemon in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 tablespoon of minced lemon peel to be added to the roux.
How do I ensure the beans are well-coated?
After pouring the sour cream mixture over the beans in the casserole dish, gently stir them together before adding the cheese and breadcrumbs.
What kind of cheese is best for the topping?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its strong flavor and excellent melting properties.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be minced and sautéed in butter for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, you should grease a medium to large casserole dish with butter before adding the ingredients.
Is this a good dish for holiday dinners?
Absolutely, it is described as a revitalized holiday or weeknight dinner side dish that pairs well with roasted meats.
What provides the crunch if there are no fried onions?
The breadcrumbs combined with the cheddar cheese create a beautiful, crunchy golden crust during the baking process.
Can I skip the flour?
The flour is necessary to create a roux, which thickens the sour cream into a stable sauce; omitting it may result in a runny casserole.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter for sautéing the vegetables and greasing the dish.
Is the cooking sherry mandatory?
No, the cooking sherry is listed as an optional ingredient to add depth if desired.
What texture should the sauce have before baking?
The sauce should be stirred constantly on low heat for about 3 minutes until it is smooth and warmed through.
Can I use different types of green beans?
While French-cut is suggested for its texture, you could likely use standard frozen or fresh green beans as long as they are pre-cooked to a tender-crisp state.
Is there salt and pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper mixed into the roux.
How do I know the dish is done?
The casserole is finished when the cheese is melted, the topping is golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling.
What makes this recipe 'fresh'?
It is considered fresh because it uses aromatic herbs, real dairy, and fresh aromatics like lemon peel and onion rather than processed canned ingredients.
Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish, though baking time may need to be slightly adjusted.
Is the parsley fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced dried parsley.
How do you add the sour cream to the pan?
Slowly incorporate the sour cream into the pan while stirring constantly on low heat to ensure a smooth consistency.