Creamy Green Bean Casserole

With the holiday season approaching, indulge in this creamy green bean casserole that is sure to impress your family and friends. This dish is not only delectable but also incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring you won't spend too much time in the kitchen during the busy festive season. The secret to its rich flavor lies in the addition of creamy Boursin cheese, which elevates this classic casserole to new heights.

Ingredients

🟢 1 lb green beans (wash, trim, and cut in half)
🧈 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
🧅 2 shallots, diced (or a large onion)
🧄 5 cloves garlic, minced
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
⚫ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🌿 1/2 teaspoon thyme
🌶️ 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
🍚 2 tablespoons flour
🥛 1.5 cups heavy cream
🥛 1 cup milk
🧀 1 block Boursin cheese (garlic and fine herbs)
🧀 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
🧅 2.5 cups crispy fried onions

Instructions

1- Preheat Oven and Blanch Beans:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the washed, trimmed, and halved green beans and blanch for 3 minutes.

2- Sauté Aromatics:

Drain and immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the diced shallots and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

3- Make Sauce Base:

Stir in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle in the flour, mix well, and cook for 1 minute.

4- Simmer Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream and milk, whisking to combine. Next, add the Boursin cheese, breaking it up with a spoon, and continue whisking until smooth.

5- Thicken and Combine:

Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes or until slightly thickened, then turn off the heat.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

6- Assemble Casserole:

Combine the creamy cheese mixture with the green beans and 1 cup of crispy fried onions. Transfer everything to a prepared baking dish.

7- Bake Casserole:

Top with the remaining crispy fried onions. Bake, uncovered, in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

8- Serve and Enjoy:

Serve warm and enjoy this creamy delight!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 300 kcal
Proteins: 8g
Fats: 24g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Equipment: Pot, large bowl for ice bath, skillet, oven-safe baking dish