Introduction
Green bean casserole is a beloved dish that has graced holiday tables and family gatherings for decades. Its creamy texture and savory flavor have made it a staple in American cuisine. However, traditional green bean casserole can sometimes be cumbersome to serve and eat, especially at parties where finger foods reign supreme.
Enter Crunchy Green Bean Casserole Cups—a delightful twist on the classic recipe. These portable cups allow you to enjoy all the familiar flavors of green bean casserole in a bite-sized format, perfect for snacking and mingling. With a crispy puff pastry shell and a savory filling, these cups are sure to impress your guests and add a fun element to any gathering.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 45 minutes
– Servings: 12 cups
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pearl onions, peeled (or frozen, thawed)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup crispy fried onions
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the blanched green beans, pearl onions, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crispy fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Mix well to combine.
4. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3-inch squares.
5. Gently press each square into the greased muffin tin, creating a cup shape.
6. Fill each pastry cup with the green bean mixture, pressing down lightly to pack it in.
7. Top each filled cup with the remaining crispy fried onions.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
9. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
The Appeal of Green Bean Casserole
The green bean casserole has a rich history in American cuisine, often associated with Thanksgiving and festive dinners. Traditionally made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, this dish embodies the spirit of comfort food.
Transforming it into bite-sized cups not only makes it more convenient for serving but also allows for versatility in presentation. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, a casual gathering, or simply looking for a new snack to enjoy, these Crunchy Green Bean Casserole Cups are an excellent choice that will appeal to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
Ingredients Breakdown
– Fresh green beans: Opt for fresh green beans for their nutritional benefits and crisp texture. They provide essential vitamins and minerals while maintaining a vibrant color in the dish.
– Pearl onions: These tiny onions offer a sweet and mild flavor. You can use fresh ones or frozen for convenience, depending on what you have on hand.
– Cream of mushroom soup: While store-bought versions are easy, making your own can enhance the flavor and control ingredients, catering to dietary preferences.
– Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a creamy richness. Consider using sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for added complexity.
– Crispy fried onions: These are crucial for adding a satisfying crunch. You can find various brands at the store or create your own for a personal touch.
– Garlic powder and onion powder: These spices pack a flavor punch and enhance the overall taste of the filling.
– Olive oil: A healthy fat that adds richness and helps to sauté the ingredients if needed.
– Puff pastry: This flaky pastry is the perfect vessel for the filling, providing a delightful contrast in texture. It bakes to a golden crisp, making the cups irresistible.
Tips for Perfecting Your Crunchy Green Bean Casserole Cups
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
When planning to serve Crunchy Green Bean Casserole Cups, consider the occasion to enhance your dining experience. These delightful cups are perfect for various events:
– Holidays: They make an excellent addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, offering a modern twist on traditional green bean casserole.
– Potlucks: Their individual serving size is ideal for sharing at potlucks or family gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a taste.
– Game Days: Serve them as a finger food during game day festivities. Pair them with a variety of dips for added flavor.
To create a balanced meal, consider pairing the casserole cups with:
– Beverages: A crisp white wine or a light beer complements the flavors in the dish. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water or lemonade also work well.
– Salads: A refreshing side salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette, adds a touch of brightness to the meal.
– Other Dishes: Serve alongside roasted meats or a hearty soup to create a filling and satisfying dining experience.
Conclusion
Crunchy Green Bean Casserole Cups stand out for their unique qualities and versatility. Their individual portions make them an attractive choice for any gathering, while their crunchy topping and creamy filling provide a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations of this recipe. Incorporate different vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or switch up the cheese for a unique twist.
Sharing this dish at gatherings not only brings joy but also creates lasting memories for you and your guests. The combination of flavors and textures ensures that these casserole cups will be a hit, making them a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating and sharing this delightful dish with friends and family!
Crunchy Green Bean Casserole Cups
Ingredients
- 1.0 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1.0 cup pearl onions, frozen or fresh
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1.0 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.0 cup crispy fried onions
- 1.0 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.0 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2.0 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.0 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 0.0 none Cooking spray (for greasing the muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and pearl onions, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they are slightly tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed green beans and pearl onions with the cream of mushroom soup, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crispy fried onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet. Cut it into 12 squares, approximately 4x4 inches each. Gently press each square into greased muffin tins to form cups.
- Spoon the green bean mixture evenly into each puff pastry cup, filling them to the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions on top of each filled cup.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling.
- Once baked, allow the cups to cool slightly before gently removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm as delightful snack-sized portions!