Introduction
Dive into comfort with this scrumptious Green Bean and Potato Casserole! Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s a delectable twist on classic flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing. This hearty dish combines fresh green beans and tender baby potatoes, all cloaked in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy, flavorful topping. It’s an ideal recipe for making cherished memories around the dinner table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, quartered
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crunchy Topping
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. Preheat that oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some casserole magic.
2. In a large pot of salted water, boil those lovely green beans and potatoes for about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re fragrant and soft. This should take around 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine the cooked veggies with the sautéed onion and garlic in a big mixing bowl. Stir in that heavy cream, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Spread the vegetable-cheese mix into a greased baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese to create your topping. Sprinkle it generously over the casserole.
7. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let it cool a bit before serving—you don’t want to burn those eager taste buds!
Nutritional Information
Per serving, enjoy this delicious casserole with:
– Calories: 320 kcal
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Protein: 8g
– Fat: 18g
– Fiber: 4g
– Sugar: 3g
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat that oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some casserole magic.
2. Boil the Vegetables
In a large pot of salted water, boil those lovely green beans and potatoes for about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re fragrant and soft. This should take around 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients
Combine the cooked veggies with the sautéed onion and garlic in a big mixing bowl. Stir in that heavy cream, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Prepare for Baking
Spread the vegetable-cheese mix into a greased baking dish.
6. Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese to create your topping. Sprinkle it generously over the casserole.
7. Bake the Casserole
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Cool Before Serving
Let it cool a bit before serving—you don’t want to burn those eager taste buds!
Notes
Nutritional Information
Per serving, enjoy this delicious casserole with:
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Cook techniques
Blanching
Blanching the green beans and potatoes helps to brighten their color and maintain their texture. Boil them briefly in salted water before adding them to the casserole.
Sautéing
Sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil enhances their flavor and aroma, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
Layering
Layering the vegetable-cheese mix evenly in the baking dish ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and ingredients.
Topping
The combination of bread crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese creates a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creaminess of the casserole.
Baking
Baking the casserole allows the flavors to meld together while creating a golden and bubbly top. Ensuring the oven is preheated is essential for optimal cooking results.
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans and potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
The recipe is already vegetarian, but double-check the cheese and crumbs for any non-vegetarian ingredients if that’s a concern.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a side salad, crusty bread, or grilled meats for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Green Bean and Potato Casserole is not only delicious but also easy to make, perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner. Enjoy every bite!
