Cheesy Green Bean and Peas Casserole

Introduction :

Welcome to the realm of comforting casseroles with a twist! Dive into the heartwarming flavors of Cheesy Green Bean and Peas Casserole, a dish that elevates the classic casserole experience to new heights. Bursting with vibrant green beans, sweet peas, earthy mushrooms, and velvety cheddar cheese sauce, this casserole is a symphony of flavors and textures.

As the oven works its magic, the aroma of bubbling cheese and toasted breadcrumbs fills the kitchen, signaling that something truly special is about to emerge. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, hosting a festive gathering, or simply craving a comforting side dish, this Cheesy Green Bean and Peas Casserole is sure to steal the spotlight.In this recipe, we’ll guide you through every step, from blanching the vegetables to creating the creamy cheese sauce and achieving that perfect golden crust. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor a dish that embodies the essence of comfort and warmth.

Ingredients:

  • 500g green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 200g frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 200g mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 300ml vegetable broth
  • 200ml heavy cream
  • 200g shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 100g breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a casserole dish and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Add the cooked green beans and peas to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
  10. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Expert Tips for Serving and Storage:

  • Serve the Cheesy Green Bean and Peas Casserole as a comforting side dish alongside roasted meats or as a vegetarian main course with a salad.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutritional and Health Benefits:

  • Green beans and peas are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting digestive health and supporting immune function.
  • Cheddar cheese provides calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle repair.

Variations to Explore:

  • Add cooked bacon or pancetta for extra flavor and texture.
  • Substitute different cheeses such as Gruyere or Swiss for a unique twist.
  • Mix in chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary for added freshness.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Green Bean and Peas Casserole, a comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful combination of tender green beans, sweet peas, savory mushrooms, and rich cheddar cheese sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen. Simply blanch them along with the green beans until they are tender, then proceed with the recipe as instructed.
  2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.
  3. Can I use different vegetables in this casserole? Absolutely! While green beans and peas are traditional, you can customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables. Consider adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli florets for variety.
  4. Can I use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream? Yes, you can use low-fat milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream.
  5. How can I make this casserole gluten-free? To make this casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Resources :

  1. Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
  2. Homemade Green Bean Casserole
  3. Ultimate Green Bean Casserole
  4. Healthy Green Bean Casserole
  5. Green Bean Casserole Variations

More you’ll love

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Cheesy Green Bean and Peas Casserole

Indulge in the irresistible allure of Cheesy Green Bean and Peas Casserole, a dish that embodies comfort and flavor in every bite. This delightful casserole is a harmonious blend of tender green beans, sweet peas, earthy mushrooms, and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all topped with a golden crust of buttery breadcrumbs.

Each forkful of this casserole is a journey through layers of texture and taste, from the crispness of the breadcrumb topping to the creamy richness of the cheese sauce and the vibrant freshness of the vegetables. Whether served as a side dish at a family dinner, a star attraction at a holiday feast, or a comforting indulgence on a chilly evening, this casserole never fails to impress.

With its simple yet satisfying combination of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors, Cheesy Green Bean and Peas Casserole is a timeless classic that brings joy to every occasion. So, gather your loved ones, preheat your oven, and prepare to experience the heartwarming embrace of this beloved dish.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 200g frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 200g mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 300ml vegetable broth
  • 200ml heavy cream
  • 200g shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 100g breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a casserole dish and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Add the cooked green beans and peas to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
  10. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • Be sure to blanch the green beans and peas briefly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender but still crisp.
  • Customize the seasoning and cheese to suit your taste preferences.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
  • Calories: 350 kcal per serving
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Cheesy Green Bean and Peas Casserole

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