Welcome to a culinary journey where comfort meets sophistication with our delectable Green Bean Casserole featuring the rich flavors of bacon, mushrooms, and creamy cheese. This timeless classic receives a gourmet twist, perfect for any occasion from family dinners to holiday gatherings. Join us as we delve into the intricate layers of this savory dish, providing you with all the details you need to create culinary magic in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Green Beans: Begin by preparing 3 cups of fresh green beans, ensuring they are well-washed and trimmed for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Bacon: Cook and crumble 4 strips of bacon to add a smoky, savory element to our casserole, infusing each bite with irresistible richness.
- Mushrooms: Slice and prepare 2.5 cups of mushrooms, adding earthy depth and texture to our dish.
- Onion: Dice and caramelize one onion to impart sweet and savory notes that elevate the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
- Garlic: Mince one clove of garlic to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- Cream Cheese: Incorporate 1/2 cup of cream cheese to lend luxurious creaminess and richness to our casserole, creating a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
- Chicken Stock: Enhance the savory essence of the dish with 1/2 cup of chicken stock, providing depth of flavor and moisture to the ingredients.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, such as a nacho blend, over the casserole for a gooey, indulgent topping that adds a final layer of cheesy goodness.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste with salt and pepper, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced and seasoned to perfection.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C/400°F, preparing it for the baking process.
- Boil the Green Beans: In a pot of well-salted water, boil the green beans until they are fork-tender, approximately 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the beans and set them aside for later use.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, sauté the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic until caramelized and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the vegetables.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add the chicken stock to the skillet, using it to deglaze the pan and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Incorporate the Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the skillet, allowing it to melt and blend with the other ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the desired flavor profile.
- Combine Ingredients in Casserole Dish: Transfer the cooked green beans to a casserole dish, followed by the creamy mushroom mixture. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Top with Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole, adding layers of gooey cheese and crispy bacon for added indulgence.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Optional Topping: For an extra burst of flavor and texture, prepare a topping by coating a small handful of onions in coconut flour and frying them until golden. Sprinkle the fried onions over the casserole before serving for added crunch and visual appeal.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, our Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Mushrooms offers a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With its rich and creamy base, savory bacon accents, and earthy mushroom undertones, this dish is a true celebration of comfort food at its finest. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, this casserole is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to satisfy and delight with each and every bite.
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Mushrooms
3 cups green beans
4 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
2.5 cups mushrooms
1 onion
1 garlic clove minced
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup shredded cheese (I used nacho blend)
salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 200C/400F
Boil beans in well salted water until fork tender, about 10 min. Drain and set aside.
Sauté onion, mushrooms, garlic until caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
Add chicken stock and scrape bits from bottom of pan
Add Cream Cheese and melt to warm up, season as needed.
Mix all into casserole dish, top with shredded cheese and bacon pieces.
Bake for about 10 min, until cheese bubbles.
Optional topping – set aside small handful of onions and lightly coat in coconut flour. Add oil to small pan and fry until golden. Remove and set on paper towel to absorb. Sprinkle on casserole before serving