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    Home » SIDES

    Green Bean 'Casserole' Redux

    January 20, 2013

    Healthier redux of the classic green bean casserole from the '70's with roasted green beans and mushrooms topped with French Fried onion rings.

    Baking sheet of roasted green beans and mushrooms.

    Our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners weren't complete without the green bean casserole that was all the rage in the '70's. You might remember it: green beans swamped with cream of mushroom soup and topped with French fried onion rings. I think it graced every table at one or another in that decade.

    I can still remember the first time I had it. I wasn't sure I would like it; in fact I was pretty convinced I wouldn't. I didn't like mushrooms, so I didn't see how I could. But my mother spooned some on my plate next to my pile of mashed potatoes and turkey and insisted that I eat just two or three bites. After shoving it around my plate, trying to hide it under the potatoes, I caught my mother's unwavering stern look and resentfully tried a very small bite. The look of surprise must have shown on my face, because I saw my mom smile. It was good. Really, really good. And after that, I always made sure it was on the holiday menu.

    That was a long time ago, and her recipe is long gone. But when I saw that this week's theme was retro recipes from the '70's, it was my first thought. Well that and the tuna fish casserole my mom made with a crumbled potato chip topping - another '70's classic. I could have recreated it, the recipe is easily found on the internet, but just as foods have changed over the years, so has my diet. Well, mostly. I'm still not overly fond of mushrooms, but tossed with greens beans in lemon and olive oil and then roasted suits me so much better these days than all the cream. So this redux takes all the cream out, but leaves everything else intact. Hope you enjoy it!

    Baking sheet of roasted green beans and mushrooms.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Classic Green Bean Casserole Redux

    Healthier redux of the classic green bean casserole from the '70's with roasted green beans and mushrooms topped with French Fried onion rings.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time40 mins
    Total Time50 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Vegetable Side
    Keyword: Roasted green beans
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 82.9kcal
    Author: The Wimpy Vegetarian

    Equipment

    • baking sheet
    • Parchment paper
    • Large mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • small bowl

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound green beans with both ends trimmed
    • 2 cups thickly sliced mushrooms
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ¾ cup crumbled canned French fried onion rings
    • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Combine the beans and mushrooms in a large bowl.
    • Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and dried thyme, and pour over the beans and mushrooms.
      Toss with your hands until the vegetables are thoroughly coated.
    • Spread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
      Remove from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onion ring crumbles and Parmesan cheese evenly over the roasted vegetables. Roast for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
    • Serve warm.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 82.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.8g | Protein: 3.1g | Fat: 5.7g | Saturated Fat: 1.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.6g | Cholesterol: 2.2mg | Sodium: 437.6mg | Potassium: 268.9mg | Fiber: 2.4g | Sugar: 3.2g | Vitamin A: 545IU | Vitamin C: 10.9mg | Calcium: 52.3mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. CCU

      January 20, 2013 at 1:55 am

      Mmmm this is one of the most flavoursome casseroles ever 😀

      Cheers
      CCU

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 9:35 am

        Thanks CCU!

    2. apuginthekitchen

      January 20, 2013 at 7:30 am

      I like your take on a green bean casserole, I think we must have been the only family stateside that didn't have it, my Mom never made it. I made it once myself and thought it was good but I like your version much better. I just got some haricot vert and mushrooms and will make it today.

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 9:43 am

        Maybe it was a mid-western thing, because it was everywhere in our town it seemed. Hope you enjoy this much healthier version!!

        • apuginthekitchen

          January 20, 2013 at 9:51 am

          No I think it was everywhere, we had Italian food for Thanksgiving, my Mom always made a capon, dressing and sweet potatoes but the other fixings were never on our table. I never even tasted a pumpkin pie until I left home.

          • The Wimpy Vegetarian

            January 20, 2013 at 10:00 am

            That's amazing that you hadn't had pumpkin pie growing up, but you were likely far ahead of the rest of us on authentic Italian food instead of the Chef-Boy-ar-dee stuff I grew up on 🙂

            • apuginthekitchen

              January 20, 2013 at 10:04 am

              My Mom tried making dishes that were American classics and my Dad snubbed them so she gave up. Mom was a wonderful Italian cook, everything home made including the pasta it was great but we ate it so often we really looked forward to eating out and trying different foods.

    3. Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers

      January 20, 2013 at 7:45 am

      This is the best bean casserole I have ever seen! Yummy!

    4. Jen @JuanitasCocina

      January 20, 2013 at 7:59 am

      Now THIS is one that I would actually eat!

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 9:45 am

        LOL! Yes, our food tastes have certainly changed over the years. Thirty years ago I would have looked at this and said boooooorrr-ing.

    5. [email protected]

      January 20, 2013 at 8:34 am

      I love this! I am going to pin this and make it for our next big gathering. Thanks for sharing your version of green bean casserole.

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 9:51 am

        Thanks Sherron! I hope you like it! Your ambrosia salad looks wonderful!!

    6. The Wimpy Vegetarian

      January 20, 2013 at 9:39 am

      Thanks Helene! My mom was no fool. I agree, this is a wonderful meal combination 🙂

    7. Katie

      January 20, 2013 at 9:44 am

      I was never a huge fan of green bean casserole simply because of the mushy texture. HOWEVER, this version you've created sounds amazing! I love that you roasted everything and lightened it up. Awesome!

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 9:52 am

        Thanks Katie! Now it would honestly just turn my stomach with all the creamy stuff. It funny how our tastes do change through life 🙂

    8. Tara

      January 20, 2013 at 10:29 am

      What a brilliant recipe. I can't bring myself to make the old green bean casserole anymore, even though it is so delish. I love this take on it!!

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:05 pm

        Thanks Tara! I know what you mean 🙂

    9. Heather @girlichef

      January 20, 2013 at 10:55 am

      I may be one of the rare individuals who still loves the classic green bean casserole - but I know I'd love this awesome update, too. It looks so darn delicious!

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:05 pm

        Thanks Heather!

    10. Soni

      January 20, 2013 at 11:29 am

      I love this version of the green bean casserole and not at all surprised that you loved it 🙂 I love mushrooms too and the thyme sounds really good!Lovely flavororful dish 🙂

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:06 pm

        Thanks so much Soni!

    11. Amy

      January 20, 2013 at 11:34 am

      I actually love the ole green bean casserole, but am really loving your distilled version of it! I'm trying this soon!

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:07 pm

        Thanks Amy - I hope you like it if you try it. It's so easy 🙂

    12. Sarah

      January 20, 2013 at 11:39 am

      That is the best version of that casserole I've ever seen!

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:09 pm

        Thanks Sarah!

    13. Wendy

      January 20, 2013 at 12:13 pm

      I have to admit that I love the version on the can of French's onions. That said, this looks FABULOUS and so much healthier! I'm putting this on the list for our Easter lunch...my family will love it.

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:12 pm

        I hope you enjoy it, Wendy! Thanks so much.

    14. TasteFood

      January 20, 2013 at 1:10 pm

      This is a great re-invention, Susan. Those fried onion rings are a favorite in our house.

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:15 pm

        Thanks Lynda! They're really versatile little things 🙂

    15. Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP)

      January 20, 2013 at 1:24 pm

      YUM! Love the fresher and lighter version of this recipe! Roasted veggies are one of my favorites.

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:16 pm

        Thanks Karen! I love, love, love your broccoli salad!

    16. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts

      January 20, 2013 at 1:25 pm

      I love green bean casserole! We made it from scratch instead of the canned soup - but this is even better!

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:19 pm

        Thanks Erin - your's must have been so good. My mom used a lot of what we now call processed foods. But we thought is was great at the time.

    17. Liz

      January 20, 2013 at 1:49 pm

      What a delicious twist on the green bean casserole! I like it SO much better!!!

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:22 pm

        Thanks Liz! And I love your individual Baked Alaskas!

    18. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen

      January 20, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      This is definitely the way to eat it green beans today Susan. Just wonderful! With so many great fresh ingredients around I feel funny opening too many cans. Have a great week!

      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        January 20, 2013 at 10:26 pm

        I know, Paula! It just doesn't feel right, and it usually doesn't taste the same either now that I'm so used to cooking fresh vegetables. You have a great week too!!

    19. Emily @ Life on Food

      January 20, 2013 at 4:57 pm

      I love this redo. The traditional is a staples for my family at Thanksgiving but it grosses me out. This sounds and looks amazing!

    20. Cass @foodmyfriend

      January 20, 2013 at 5:43 pm

      This looks so good. I love beans 🙂 I usually just eat them raw for a snack but love what you are doing here. I have nominated you for a blog award.. come check it out 🙂

    21. mjskit

      January 20, 2013 at 8:15 pm

      Well, this is perfect! I love green bean casserole, but all of the cream and cheese does take it over the top calorie wise. I love what you've done with it. Very healthy but still quite delicious!

    22. EA-The Spicy RD

      January 20, 2013 at 9:30 pm

      We were more of a jello salad kind of family, than a green bean casserole family, so I'm not sure I've ever had this classic dish (but I sure have enjoyed my fair share of tuna noodle casseroles :-). Love your healthier version-classic recipes are so inch fun!

    23. Conni Smith

      January 20, 2013 at 10:49 pm

      Wow! I LOVE your version of this! So fresh and flavorful!

    24. The Ninja Baker

      January 21, 2013 at 1:19 am

      Your green bean casserole does look great, Susan. Looking forward to seeing the smiles on the faces of my loved ones' faces, too =)

    25. Jennie @themessybakerblog

      January 21, 2013 at 5:20 am

      Susan, this looks amazing...way better than the original version with all of that gelatinous canned soup. Yummo!

    26. Laura Hunter | Small Wallet Big Appetite

      January 22, 2013 at 1:20 am

      What a great healthier twist to this dish. Love it

    27. Renee

      January 22, 2013 at 11:18 am

      I would eat this any day! Oh how I love roasted green beans. So much better and also with the parmesan cheese. Yum!

    28. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com

      January 22, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      What a beautiful dish! I love roasted beans!

    29. Donna

      January 22, 2013 at 10:53 pm

      Nice take on the green bean casserole! I like the cheese in particular.

    30. Nancy @ gottagetbaked

      January 23, 2013 at 3:54 pm

      Susan, I love this modern take on green bean casserole. I could gobble up that entire tasty tray of roasted veggie goodness. And your mom's potato chip topping for her tuna fish casserole sounds divine.

    31. Hezzi-D

      January 25, 2013 at 6:31 pm

      Your updated green bean casserole sounds so much better then the old school one. YUM!

    32. Faye Leong

      January 26, 2013 at 9:06 am

      Love the cheese in this green bean casserole! Great recipe!

    33. Amanda @ MarocMama

      January 27, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      This is the best looking green bean casserole I've ever seen!

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