Truffled Herb Green Bean Casserole

Introducing a fresh twist on a holiday favorite: Truffled Herb Green Bean Casserole! This isn’t your typical green bean casserole; it’s a gourmet upgrade designed to impress while still offering the cozy, familiar flavors we all love. By starting with fresh green beans and skipping the canned ingredients, this recipe brings a vibrant, natural flavor to the dish. But what really sets it apart is the addition of truffle oil, which adds an earthy richness that elevates the entire casserole. The truffle blends seamlessly with creamy mushroom sauce and aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary, giving it a sophisticated depth.

Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special gathering, this casserole combines layers of flavors and textures. First, we blanch the green beans to maintain their bright color and crispness, then fold them into a homemade mushroom sauce that’s creamy and savory. Instead of the usual fried onions, this casserole is topped with a crunchy Parmesan and crushed almond crust, adding a wonderful contrast to the smooth sauce below.

Not only is this dish mouthwatering, but it’s also relatively simple to make from scratch. Each step is straightforward and accessible, ensuring that even novice home cooks can follow along. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, making this recipe convenient for those who want to keep things fresh and flavorful.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the family or want to add a special side dish to your next dinner party, Truffled Herb Green Bean Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Its unique, elegant flavor profile will captivate guests and bring something memorable to the table. Give it a try, and you might just find this upgraded casserole becoming a new holiday tradition!

INGREDIENTS

For the Green Beans:
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
Salt for blanching

For the Mushroom Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk, room temperature
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp truffle oil (optional, but adds depth)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup crushed almonds
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add washed green beans and blanch for about 3 minutes, just until they’re vibrant green. Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the Mushroom Sauce: In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and tender. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking as the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in truffle oil (if using) for an earthy, luxurious hint. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a casserole dish, combine the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce, folding gently to coat.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, crushed almonds, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil until evenly combined. Sprinkle this topping generously over the green beans.
5. Bake: Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of color.

Notes & Tips:
Truffle Oil: Adds a beautiful, subtle aroma and depth, but the casserole shines without it as well.
Almond Texture: Crushed almonds add a hearty crunch that’s balanced with the creamy sauce below.
Customizable Herbs: Feel free to add a hint of sage or marjoram for more earthy notes if desired.

This casserole is all about the harmony of textures and flavors, bringing a refined twist to a Thanksgiving classic—perfect for impressing family and friends!