Italian-Style Green Bean and Artichoke Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1 1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 (9 ounce) packages frozen artichoke hearts, thawed, drained well, and roughly chopped
• 3 (28 ounce) cans Italian-style green beans, drained
• 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the Italian-style bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Set aside 1/3 cup of the breadcrumb mixture for topping the casserole later.

Step 4: Add the thawed and chopped artichokes, drained green beans, and 1/2 cup of olive oil to the breadcrumb mixture in the bowl. Gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the reserved 1/3 cup of breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Drizzle the remaining 1/3 cup of olive oil over the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is heated through.

Step 8: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly around the edges.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	20g Fat	37g Carbs	11g Protein
346	25% Daily Value	13% Daily Value	23% Daily Value

• Total Fat: 20g (25% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (21% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 11mg (4% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 484mg (21% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 37g (13% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 11g (40% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 11g (23% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 28mg (31% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 250mg (19% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (15% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 551mg (12% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This Italian-style green bean and artichoke casserole combines hearty vegetables with a rich Parmesan and breadcrumb topping. Easy to assemble and perfect for dinner or as a side dish, this casserole provides a flavorful twist on traditional vegetable bakes.

Origin Story

The roots of casseroles in Italy can be traced back to traditional peasant cooking, where simple ingredients were combined to create hearty and filling meals. The use of green beans and artichokes is typical of Mediterranean cuisine, where these vegetables are abundant and often paired together. While not a dish with ancient origins, the casserole format itself was popularized in the United States during the 20th century. This particular recipe fuses the Italian love for fresh vegetables with the American tradition of the baked casserole, creating a delightful hybrid dish that is both rich in flavor and comforting in texture.

Regional Features

In Italy, green beans and artichokes are staples in various regional dishes. In the southern regions like Lazio and Campania, artichokes are particularly prized and feature prominently in stews and side dishes. Green beans are commonly used throughout the country, especially in salads and sauted dishes. This casserole-style recipe, however, is more American in its presentation and cooking method. It reflects the Italian penchant for using high-quality olive oil and Parmesan cheese, two elements essential to Mediterranean cuisine, giving the dish a distinctly Italian flair.

Distinction from Similar Dishes

Unlike the traditional American green bean casserole, which typically uses creamy mushroom soup and crispy fried onions, this Italian-style version incorporates a fresher, more herbaceous flavor profile. The use of artichokes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese introduces a richer, savory complexity. Moreover, the bread crumb topping adds a crispy, golden finish, setting it apart from other casseroles that might be cream-based or topped with cheese alone. This casserole is also lighter than its American counterpart, thanks to the olive oil-based preparation and minimal use of dairy.

Where It's Typically Served

This casserole is versatile and can be served as a side dish at family dinners or special occasions. In Italy, vegetable casseroles like this one often accompany roast meats or poultry. In the United States, it's a popular addition to holiday meals, particularly Thanksgiving, where it provides a lighter alternative to heavier dishes like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. It also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it a great choice for barbecues or casual summer gatherings.

Interesting Facts

• Artichokes, one of the main ingredients in this casserole, were first cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who valued them not only for their flavor but also for their medicinal properties.
• The combination of green beans and breadcrumbs in a casserole format became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, though the concept of baking vegetables with toppings dates back to earlier European recipes.
• In Italian cuisine, it is common to pair green beans with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan, a trio that elevates the dish with rich umami and fragrant herbal notes.
• The use of breadcrumbs as a topping for casseroles or bakes is a well-loved Italian technique, known as "crostata," which creates a satisfying crunchy contrast to tender vegetables.

Whether served as a side dish for a holiday gathering or as a comforting meal for a weeknight dinner, this Italian-style green bean and artichoke casserole is sure to impress with its flavorful combination of Mediterranean ingredients and textures.

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