Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1.5 cups crispy fried onions
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Prep the beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your 1.5 lbs of trimmed green beans and cook for 5 minutes. Note: This softens the outer fiber without making them mushy.
  2. The Ice Bath. Immediately drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. Cook 5 mins until tender crisp. This preserves that bright green color we all love.
  3. Sauté the mushrooms. Melt 3 tbsp of unsalted butter in your skillet over medium heat. Add the 8 oz of chopped cremini mushrooms. Sauté 8 minutes until moisture evaporates and they turn deep brown.
  4. Fragrant additions. Stir in your 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until the aroma fills the room.
  5. Build the roux. Sprinkle 3 tbsp of all purpose flour over the mushrooms. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until the flour smells toasted.
  6. Create the sauce. Slowly pour in the 1.5 cups of milk and 0.5 cup of heavy cream. Whisk constantly until the sauce is thick and velvety.
  7. Season and fold. Stir in the nutmeg, salt, pepper, blanched beans, and half of the fried onions. Note: The nutmeg is the secret to that hidden depth of flavor.
  8. Initial bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide the skillet in and bake for 20 minutes until bubbling.
  9. The final crunch. Sprinkle the remaining onions and 0.25 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake 10 mins until the topping is golden and shattering.
  10. Rest. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce set. For those looking for a slightly different take on a veggie filled side, my [Sautéed green beans](https://easychefideas.com/recipes/sauteed-green-beans-with-bacon-garlic/) use a similar blanching technique but focus on a smoky bacon finish. It’s a great comparison if you want to see how different fats change the profile of the bean. The Best Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Beans and Scratch Sauce — Ditch the tins Learn how to make truly Homemade Green Bean Casserole with fre...Homemade Baked Beans Recipe with Mahogany Glaze for 11 Servings — Master this homemade baked beans recipe featuring a slow oven braise and maho...How to Bake Cheesy Squash Casserole Delightfully: A Comforting Family Favorite! — Looking for a cozy dish? This Bake Cheesy Squash Casserole Delightfully bring... $img_2$