Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Creamy Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This delightful casserole features fresh green beans coated in a rich and creamy sauce, making it a perfect side for holidays, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners. With its satisfying flavors and textures, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is an excellent choice for many reasons. First, it is a great way to enjoy fresh green beans and get some nutritious vegetables in your meal. Second, the creamy sauce, made from cashews, adds a rich flavor that is sure to impress. Additionally, it is simple and quick to prepare, making it a hassle-free dish to serve on busy days. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both gatherings and cozy family dinners.

How to Make Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Making Creamy Green Bean Casserole is easy and straightforward. You’ll need to prepare the cashew cream, cook the green beans, and then combine everything before baking. Follow the steps below to create this delicious dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
3. In a high-speed blender, combine the cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth.
4. Steam or boil the green beans until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
5. In a large skillet, sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of the cashew cream until it softens.
6. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
7. Slowly whisk in the remaining cashew cream until it becomes smooth and thick.
8. Add the green beans to the skillet and stir to coat them with the sauce.
9. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

How to Serve Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Serve this casserole warm as a side dish alongside your favorite main courses. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, pasta, or even as a centerpiece for a vegetarian meal. Garnish with some fresh herbs for an extra touch before serving.

How to Store Creamy Green Bean Casserole

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave it in individual portions if preferred.

Tips to Make Creamy Green Bean Casserole

• For extra flavor, try adding some cooked mushrooms or crispy fried onions on top before baking.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Ensure not to overcook the green beans; they should remain crisp for the best texture.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots. For a bit of crunch, consider topping it with crushed crackers or fried onions before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking point. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free flour or a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour, this dish can be made gluten-free.

3. Can I use frozen green beans instead?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the casserole for the best results.

Enjoy making and sharing your Creamy Green Bean Casserole!