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Cozy Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole

garlic parmesan green bean casserole - featured image

A creamy, cheesy green bean casserole with a crispy Parmesan-panko topping, made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (about 4 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the upper third of the oven.
  2. Wash the green beans, trim off the stem ends, and snap them in half. Pat dry.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the green beans and cook for exactly 3 minutes. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the garlic butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to make a roux.
  6. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking constantly, then add broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes (if using), dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  8. Add blanched green beans to the skillet and gently fold until coated.
  9. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan, and melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the green beans.
  10. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Notes

Don’t skip blanching the green beans—it prevents a watery sauce. Grate your own Parmesan for smooth melting. Watch the garlic closely to avoid burning. For gluten-free, use cornstarch slurry and gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free butter. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, garlic Parmesan, side dish, Thanksgiving, comfort food, easy recipe