Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Are you looking for the ultimate holiday side dish? The Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a total classic. This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions French's style
- 1/2 cup diced pimentos optional for color
Instructions
Blanch the Green Beans
- Fill a large pot with water and salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add your trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 5 minutes. They should be bright green and slightly tender. Drain them in a colander.
Prepare the Ice Bath
- While the beans boil, fill a bowl with ice and water. Submerge the hot beans in the ice water. This stops the cooking process immediately. It keeps the beans from getting mushy. Drain them again after two minutes.
Make the Roux
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter. Whisk constantly for about one minute. The mixture should look bubbly and golden. Do not let it burn.
Whisk in the Liquids
- Slowly pour the milk and heavy cream into the skillet. Keep whisking to avoid any lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon. This usually takes five minutes.
Season the Sauce
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the seasonings into the cream sauce. Taste the sauce to see if it needs more salt. Add the diced pimentos now if you like extra color.
Add the Cheese
- Turn the heat to low. Stir in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk until the cheese is completely melted. The sauce should look smooth and very cheesy. This is the heart of the dish.
Combine Beans and Sauce
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat every bean in cheese sauce. Ensure the beans are evenly distributed. Smelling the creamy sauce will make you very hungry now.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Pour the green bean mixture into the dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Use a spatula to get every drop of sauce from the pan.
Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Then, cover the cheese with the crispy fried onions. The onions provide a wonderful crunch. This layer is the favorite part for most people.
Bake Until Bubbly
- Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges. The onions should be golden brown and very fragrant.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set so it is not too runny. Serve it warm and enjoy the smiles at the table.
Notes
- Use Fresh Beans: Fresh beans have the best texture. If you use canned, skip the boiling step.
- Add Mushrooms: You can sauté sliced mushrooms with the butter for extra earthy flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little kick.
- Bacon Bits: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky and salty twist.
- Double the Onions: If you love crunch, add extra fried onions into the sauce itself.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to save a few calories.