Pioneer Woman 4th of July Salad Zucchini: Elevating Your Holiday Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a beloved side dish, especially during holidays. While Thanksgiving and Christmas often come to mind, this versatile dish fits perfectly into summer celebrations like the 4th of July too. Inspired by Pioneer Woman’s renowned recipes, we’re diving into a green bean casserole that skips the mushrooms but doubles down on flavor with crispy bacon (or ham) and a rich, cheesy sauce. This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a holiday-worthy creation that will impress your guests at any summer gathering, and we’ll even explore how to bring in fresh summer elements like zucchini to complement your 4th of July spread.

Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole without Mushrooms
A mouthwatering image of Pioneer Woman’s Green Bean Casserole, highlighting its golden-brown top and creamy texture.

For those who might shy away from mushrooms, or simply want a twist on the classic, Pioneer Woman’s Green Bean Casserole is a revelation. It’s a from-scratch recipe, steering clear of canned soups and, importantly, mushrooms. Instead, it layers in textures and flavors that are both comforting and exciting. Imagine the smoky saltiness of bacon mingling with sweet onions, all enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce. This casserole brings a “mac ‘n’ cheese meets green bean casserole” appeal, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at your 4th of July BBQ or any summer potluck.

While the original recipe shines on its own, thinking about summer flavors opens up exciting possibilities. Consider serving this rich casserole alongside lighter, fresher dishes. A vibrant zucchini salad, for example, could offer a wonderful counterpoint. Imagine grilled zucchini ribbons tossed with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs – the slight bitterness and lightness of zucchini would cut through the richness of the casserole beautifully, creating a balanced and delightful 4th of July menu.

The recipe we’re exploring today takes inspiration from Pioneer Woman while offering some helpful tips and insights to make it your own. It retains the core elements that make this casserole so special – the bacon, the cheesy sauce, the crisp-tender green beans – but we’ll also touch upon how you can adapt it for different tastes and occasions.

Recipe for Pioneer Woman’s Inspired Green Bean Casserole

This recipe is adapted from Pioneer Woman’s Green Bean Casserole, focusing on fresh ingredients and maximizing flavor.

Prep Time: 70 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Serves: 16 (as a side dish)

Ingredients:

For the Green Beans:

• 16 cups water
• 2 tablespoons table salt
• 2 – 3 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped into bite-sized pieces
• Large bowl of ice water

For the Bacon & Onion:

• 4 slices bacon (or 6 ounces ham), diced
• ½ large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cheesy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ¾ cups whole milk
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 ounces cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite melting cheese), grated
• 4 ounces pimentos, drained and chopped

For Topping:

• ½ cup panko bread crumbs (adjust to pan size)

Instructions:

Get Started:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Green Beans:

1. Bring water and salt to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add green beans, cover, and cook for 6 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
3. Drain beans and immediately immerse them in ice water to stop cooking. Once cool, drain again.
4. Spread beans in a single layer on paper towels and pat thoroughly dry. This step is crucial for preventing a watery casserole.

Cook Bacon and Onion:

1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy (or ham until browned).
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until onions are softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. If the skillet becomes dry, add a splash of water to deglaze.
3. Transfer the bacon and onion mixture to a bowl and set aside.

Make the Cheesy Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, about a tablespoon at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This slow addition prevents lumps in the sauce.
4. Stir in heavy cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
5. Add grated cheese and chopped pimentos. Stir until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Gently stir the cooked green beans and bacon-onion mixture into the cheesy sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
3. Sprinkle panko bread crumbs evenly over the top.
4. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the panko topping is golden brown. If the topping isn’t browned enough, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Serving and Make-Ahead Tips:

• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve hot from the oven.
• Bake Later: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking as directed, possibly adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Holding Warm: To keep warm, cover with foil and hold in a 200°F (95°C) oven for up to an hour.

A detailed image showcasing the key ingredients of the green bean casserole: fresh green beans, bacon, onions, cheese, and pimentos.

Tips and Variations for Your 4th of July Feast

• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses. Sharp cheddar provides a classic flavor, while Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a milder or spicier twist. Consider a blend for a more complex taste.
• Ham or Bacon? The recipe works beautifully with both. Bacon adds smokiness, while ham offers a slightly sweeter, meatier flavor. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• Spice it Up: For a 4th of July kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
• Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the sauce or as a garnish for added freshness and aroma, especially if serving outdoors on a warm summer day.
• Zucchini Salad Side: To lighten your 4th of July meal, a zucchini salad is an excellent accompaniment. Quickly grill or sauté zucchini slices and toss with a lemon-herb vinaigrette. Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, and even a sprinkle of feta cheese for a refreshing and colorful salad that balances the richness of the casserole. Alternatively, consider adding roasted zucchini directly to the casserole for a vegetable boost, though this will slightly alter the traditional green bean casserole profile.

An instructional image demonstrating the process of snapping fresh green beans, highlighting the preparation of vegetables.

Make Pioneer Woman’s Green Bean Casserole Your 4th of July Tradition

This Pioneer Woman-inspired green bean casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting and flavorful addition to any holiday table, including your 4th of July celebration. By skipping the mushrooms and embracing bacon and a creamy cheese sauce, it offers a delightful twist on a classic. Pair it with a fresh zucchini salad or other summer sides for a balanced and memorable meal. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this exceptional homemade casserole!

Recipe Inspiration Credit: Adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier by Ree Drummond.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate): 139 Calories; 8g Fat; 5g Saturated Fat; 29mg Cholesterol; 310mg Sodium; 10g Carbohydrates; 2g Fiber; 4g Sugar; 7g Protein.

Enjoy your 4th of July feast!