Green bean casserole is undeniably a holiday staple, gracing tables during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and even summer gatherings. For those seeking a homemade version that surpasses the traditional canned soup recipes, look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s green bean casserole from scratch. This recipe, unlike many others, boldly omits mushrooms, catering to mushroom-averse palates, and instead amplifies flavor with crispy bacon (or savory ham) and a luxuriously cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole
This Pioneer Woman inspired green bean casserole recipe elevates the classic dish by building it from the ground up. Forget the processed flavors; this is about fresh green beans, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and the delightful crunch of bacon or ham. The result is a “mac ‘n’ cheese meets green bean casserole” experience, offering a comforting and familiar yet distinctly homemade taste. While traditionalists might miss the earthy notes of mushrooms, the addition of bacon and a generous cheese sauce creates a depth of flavor that’s undeniably satisfying.
For those who appreciate texture in their casserole, the recipe incorporates valuable techniques borrowed from other top-tier recipes. These include blanching the green beans in heavily salted water to enhance their flavor, shocking them in ice water to maintain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, and thoroughly drying them to ensure the sauce clings beautifully. Let’s dive into the details of creating this exceptional green bean casserole from scratch.
Pioneer Woman’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe (From Scratch)
This recipe is adapted from Pioneer Woman’s cookbook and serves approximately 16 people as a side dish.
Prep time: 70 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Serves: 16
Ingredients:
For the Green Beans:
- 16 cups water
- 2 tablespoons table salt
- 2 – 3 pounds fresh green beans, stem ends trimmed, and snapped into bite-sized pieces
- Large bowl of ice water
For the Bacon or Ham & Onion Mixture:
- 4 slices bacon, diced (Pioneer Woman’s preference) or 6 ounces ham, diced
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheesy Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces cheese, such as sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Cotija, grated
- 4 ounces pimentos, drained and chopped
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (adjust to pan size)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Green Beans:
- In a large pot, bring 16 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a rolling boil.
- Add the green beans, ensuring they are submerged. Cover the pot and cook for 6 minutes, or until the beans are crisp-tender.
- Drain the green beans in a colander and immediately plunge them into the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again.
- Spread the blanched green beans in a single layer on several layers of paper towels. Pat them thoroughly dry with more paper towels. This step is crucial for preventing a watery casserole.
Cook Bacon or Ham and Onion:
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. If using ham, cook until lightly browned.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened and golden brown, and the garlic is fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. If the skillet becomes dry, add a tablespoon of water to deglaze any browned bits.
- Transfer the bacon/ham and onion mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Make the Cheesy Sauce:
- Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly to create a smooth roux. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Gradually pour in the milk, about a tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously after each addition until smooth. This slow addition prevents lumps in the sauce.
- Once all the milk is incorporated, stir in the heavy cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the grated cheese and chopped pimentos to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Assemble and Bake the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine the dried green beans and the bacon/ham and onion mixture.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over the green bean mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the panko topping is golden brown. If the panko doesn’t brown sufficiently, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serving and Make-Ahead Tips:
- To Bake Later: The casserole can be assembled ahead of time, covered, and refrigerated. Before baking, bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Bake as directed, possibly adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- To Hold Warm: To keep the casserole warm for serving, cover it with foil and hold in a 200°F (95°C) oven for up to an hour.
Tips and Variations for the Best Green Bean Casserole:
- Salt is Key: Don’t skimp on the salt when blanching the green beans. Salting the water properly seasons the beans from the inside out.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends. Sharp cheddar provides a classic flavor, while Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can offer a milder or spicier twist. For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of cheeses.
- Bacon vs. Ham: While bacon offers a smoky crunch, ham can provide a more substantial and savory element. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Add Mushrooms (Optional): If you do enjoy mushrooms, you can sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for a mushroom-enhanced version, though this deviates from the Pioneer Woman’s mushroom-free approach.
- Crispy Topping Alternatives: If panko isn’t available, crushed French fried onions or even homemade breadcrumbs can be used for the topping.
Conclusion:
This Pioneer Woman green bean casserole from scratch recipe offers a delightful and flavorful upgrade to the traditional holiday side dish. By using fresh ingredients and skipping the canned soup, you create a casserole that’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with homemade goodness. The addition of bacon or ham and the absence of mushrooms make it a unique and crowd-pleasing option for any gathering. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting casserole with your loved ones!
