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Best Crispy Garlic Herb Green Bean Casserole: Easy Holiday Side

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A sophisticated twist on a classic holiday side, this green bean casserole features bright, crisp-tender beans in a rich, scratch-made garlic herb sauce, topped with a shatteringly crispy parmesan and panko crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage), chopped finely
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
  3. Drain beans immediately and plunge into an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until light blonde and nutty.
  5. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then gradually add milk. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Stir in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir in heavy cream if using. Remove from heat.
  7. Add blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
  8. Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. In a small bowl, combine panko, parmesan, chopped herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until breadcrumbs are coated.
  10. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the beans and press down lightly.
  11. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
  12. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the beans; they should remain crisp-tender as they will cook further in the oven. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. For extra crunch, toast the panko mixture in a dry pan before adding to the casserole.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, crispy green beans, garlic herb recipe, Thanksgiving side, easy casserole, homemade green beans