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Green Bean Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

Green Bean Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping - recipe card
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A creamy, comforting green bean casserole made from scratch without canned soup or bacon. Fresh green beans and mushrooms are bathed in a rich, homemade sauce, then topped with buttery, crunchy Ritz crackers for the perfect texture contrast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the casserole:
  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • For the topping:
  • 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers) Ritz crackers, coarsely crushed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 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. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  4. Remove sauce from heat. Gently fold in blanched green beans until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to a 1.5-quart baking dish.
  5. In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the green bean mixture.
  6. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and topping is golden brown. If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble without the Ritz topping, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the topping and 5 extra minutes to the bake.

Storage: Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate and crackers will become soggy. Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For best texture, re-crisp topping under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, Ritz cracker topping, green bean casserole with Ritz crackers, vegetarian side dish, Thanksgiving side, creamy mushroom sauce, no canned soup, easy casserole, holiday recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://gordonramsayeats.com/green-bean-casserole-with-ritz-cracker-topping/