Clean Green Bean Casserole {Thanksgiving Recipe}

Jamie is here today to weigh in on our healthier options for Thanksgiving.  I posted a non turkey main dish and a salad and she is here to post a side dish.  

Ok, ok…..who DOESN’T have the classic (and very processed) green bean casserole on their table for Thanksgiving?  I admit it, we have had it at ours for YEARS – it’s one of my brother’s favorite parts of the traditional Thanksgiving meal! Knowing what goes IN to a traditional green bean casserole, aren’t you tempted to re-work it a little & “clean” it up?

Clean Green Bean Casserole with Parmesan Crumb Topping

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs green beans, trimmed and cut into 2″ pieces
• Cooking spray

• 10 small white mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tbsp whole wheat flour
• 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (not packed)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 small onions, thinly sliced into circles
• 1/2 cup whole wheat or Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (not packed)
• 3 tbsp water

Directions:  

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, spray large baking dish (approximately 8 x 11) with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add beans along with pinch of salt, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook for 5-6 minutes or until al dente. Green beans should be firm and not too soft. Drain and add a few cups of ice to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Preheat large skillet on medium high and add olive oil. Add onions and cook until golden brown/almost charred, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside.
4. Return skillet to heat, spray with cooking spray and add mushrooms.  Cook until golden brown.
5. Reduce heat to low and add flour.  Stir enough to coat the mushrooms.  Slowly pour almond milk and whisk while you are pouring, until no lumps are left.  Add water, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, salt/pepper and whisk again.  Bring to a boil and let simmer to thicken, for about 3-4 minutes.
6. In the meantime, add breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese and water to a bowl with onions and mix with your hands until crumbs appear.
7. Drain green beans, add the sauce and stir to combine.
8. Transfer green beans to prepared baking dish and sprinkle with topping.  Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.  Serve warm.  Enjoy!

Your turn- tell me!
What is your favorite “traditional” Thanksgiving dish?
Will you eat it or clean it up?