She Strengthens

A Fresh Twist on a Classic: Creamy Green Bean Casserole

When it comes to Thanksgiving staples, green bean casserole is right up there with turkey. This year, why not shake things up with a creamy, cheesy spin on the classic?

A Rich and Savory Sauce

Ditch the mushrooms and instead, combine cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, chives, and parsley for a sauce that’s reminiscent of Boursin cheese. The result is a rich, savory flavor that will elevate your green beans to new heights.

The Perfect Topping

Instead of traditional fried onions, try using panko breadcrumbs and slivered almonds for a crunchy, nutty topping. You can find panko in the international section of most supermarkets.

Get Ready for a Crowd-Pleaser

This recipe yields 4-6 servings and can be ready in just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can focus on enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.

Ingredients

• 1 cup panko
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds green beans, stem ends trimmed and broken into 1-1/2-inch pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/3 cup packed, finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce)
• 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 1/3 cup finely chopped chives (from about 2 bunches)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Cook the Green Beans: Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook until they’re bright green and crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled.
3. Make the Sauce: Place the cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and measured salt and pepper in the pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and bubbling. Stir in the chives and parsley until evenly combined.
4. Assemble and Bake: Add the cooked green beans to the sauce and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish and pat the beans into an even layer. Sprinkle with the reserved panko-almond mixture and bake until bubbling around the edges and heated through, about 30-35 minutes.