Description
Pioneer Woman’s green bean casserole elevates classic comfort with earthy mushrooms and crispy onion topping. Hearty cream sauce and fresh green beans create a rich side dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to holiday gatherings you’ll want to savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 pounds green beans, trimmed
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, grated
Dairy, Seasoning, and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 stick (113 grams) salted butter
- 2 ½ cups (590 milliliters) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) half-and-half
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 grams) packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ cup toasted sliced almonds
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal bacon preparation.
- Position a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet to catch bacon drippings.
- Methodically lay bacon slices across the rack in a single, non-overlapping layer.
- Create a glaze by whisking dark brown sugar and maple syrup in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Warm the glaze mixture in the microwave for 15 seconds to enhance blending.
- Generously brush each bacon slice with the sweet, sticky glaze using a pastry brush.
- Slide the bacon-laden rack into the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes.
- Rotate bacon pieces midway through cooking to ensure uniform caramelization and crispness.
- Remove bacon when edges are crisp and glaze has caramelized beautifully.
- Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and allow to cool for 20 minutes.
- Chop cooled bacon into small, uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Fill a large pot with water and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
- Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp.
- Quickly drain beans and plunge into an ice water bath to halt cooking and preserve color.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same pot over medium heat.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms and minced shallots, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Cook until mushrooms release moisture and become golden brown.
- Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and half-and-half, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Combine green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy sauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbling and heated through.
Notes
- Pioneer Woman’s secret technique transforms ordinary green beans into a showstopping side dish bursting with flavor and texture.
- Crispy, golden-brown edges contrast beautifully with a creamy, luxurious mushroom sauce that elevates this classic casserole.
- Blanching green beans locks in vibrant color and ensures a perfect crisp-tender bite that outshines traditional mushy versions.
- Earthy sautéed mushrooms and caramelized shallots create a depth of flavor that turns this from a simple side to a culinary masterpiece.
- Homemade sauce delivers a fresh, sophisticated taste that completely transforms the typical canned cream soup approach.
- Prep-ahead friendly recipe means less stress and more enjoyment when entertaining friends and family.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 493 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 1085 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 63 mg