Green Bean & Potato Casserole
Green Bean & Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender fresh green beans and creamy Yukon gold potatoes in a luscious cheese sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. Easy to prepare with common ingredients, this versatile casserole is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or holiday tables. The dish offers a creamy texture balanced by a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping and can be customized to fit various dietary needs.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Vegetables
- Fresh green beans – 1 lb, washed and trimmed
- Yukon gold potatoes – 2 lbs, peeled and cut into cubes
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Dairy & Sauce
- Butter – 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
- Milk – 2 cups
- Cheddar cheese – 1 ½ cups shredded
Topping & Seasoning
- Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and trim the green beans. Peel and cut the Yukon gold potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Boil the potatoes until tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. Meanwhile, blanch the green beans briefly in boiling water, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to preserve their bright color and crispness.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the blanched green beans and boiled potatoes into the creamy sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts evenly throughout the mixture, creating a rich and cheesy filling.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top to form a crunchy crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the vegetables; blanch green beans and boil potatoes just until tender but firm.
- Add milk gradually while whisking the roux to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese enhances the depth of flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to make serving easier and to better integrate the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: green bean casserole, potato casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, vegetable casserole, family dinner, holiday dish