Green Bean Casserole

Directions

• STEP 1

  Preheat oven to 375° F.

• STEP 2

  Start by blanching the green beans. Quickly cook the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and plunge the beans in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Place the beans in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Set aside.

• STEP 3

  Next move onto making the cream sauce for the casserole. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, lightly toast the flour for 2-3 minutes, which helps cook off some of the flour flavor. Add in the 3 tablespoons of butter and gently whisk to combine into a thick paste. 

• STEP 4

  Pour in the milk and whisk regularly until the milk thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-15 minutes. Once thickened, add in the crème fraîche, salt and black pepper. Pour the crème fraîche mixture over the green beans and stir to combine.

• STEP 5

  In a small frying pan over medium heat, toast the almonds until fragrant and lightly brown. Pour the toasted almonds into a small bowl and set aside. In the warm frying pan, melt ¼ cups of butter and pour over the toasted almonds. To this add the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley and stir well.

• STEP 6

  Top with the almond breadcrumb mix and bake for 25-30 minutes until warmed through and lightly browned on top.

• STEP 7

  Optional: Sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled goat cheese over the breadcrumb mixture before baking for a rich and tangy addition.