If you’re craving a unique twist on classic comfort food, this Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust Recipe is just what you need to bring something fresh and irresistible to your table. It combines tender, flavorful green beans in a creamy, savory filling wrapped in a perfectly buttery and crunchy Ritz cracker crust. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it an eye-catching star for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy green beans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust Recipe keeps things simple yet special, using ingredients that each add their own magic to the dish. From the fresh green beans to the crispy fried onions and that unforgettable Ritz cracker crust, every component works together to create an inviting symphony of flavors and textures.
- Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp divided): Used for sautéing veggies and adding richness to the crust and filling.
- Small sweet onion (chopped): Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Sliced fresh mushrooms (12 oz): Brings an earthy, meaty texture that makes the pie hearty.
- Fresh thyme (2 sprigs): Infuses the filling with fragrant herbal notes.
- Fresh green beans (1-1/2 lbs): The star ingredient, providing bright color and fresh crunch.
- Minced garlic (1 Tbsp): Adds a subtle, savory kick.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed): Creates a creamy, tangy base that holds the pie together.
- Half and half (1/2 cup): Makes the filling luxuriously smooth; whole milk works too.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Adds umami depth and slight complexity.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Balances out the flavors with mild spice.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- French fried onions (1 cup + 1/2 cup): One portion goes into the filling, the other makes a crispy topping.
- Ritz crackers (11 oz, about 100 crackers): Ground up to form a buttery, golden crust that’s totally crave-worthy.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted): Mixed with the crushed Ritz crackers for that perfect pie crust texture.
How to Make Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by sautéing the chopped sweet onion in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it turns translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms, fresh thyme, and green beans, cooking until the beans are tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp. This step locks in flavors and ensures your vegetables hold their nice texture inside the pie.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Remove the thyme sprigs, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release their aroma. Reduce the heat, then add cream cheese cubes along with half and half, stirring until everything melts into a creamy, luscious filling. Season with Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to bring all the flavors together. Finally, fold in 1 cup of French fried onions for an unexpected crunch inside the pie.
Step 3: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Crust
While the filling cools slightly, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs – a food processor works best for this. Combine the crumbs with melted butter until the mixture holds together when pressed. Press this crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a pie dish to create a golden, buttery foundation that will complement the creamy green bean filling perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy green bean mixture into your prepared Ritz cracker crust. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top to create a satisfying, crispy topping. Bake your pie at 350°F for about 45 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
How to Serve Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness, making each slice look as good as it tastes. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few cracks of fresh black pepper on top brighten the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or alongside roasted meats like glazed ham or herb-crusted chicken. The creamy, savory filling of the Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust Recipe complements rich and fresh side dishes alike, bringing a balanced and satisfying meal to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve slices of this pie on individual plates with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche. You can also turn it into a potluck superstar by making mini tartlets using muffin tins lined with the Ritz cracker crust and divided filling portions – perfect for sharing and look delightfully inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly so the crust stays as crisp as possible and reheat gently to preserve textures.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this pie later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 325°F to maintain the crunchy Ritz cracker crust and warm filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. Heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes depending on your oven.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh green beans are best for keeping that bright flavor and firm texture, but if you’re in a pinch, well-drained canned green beans can work. Just be sure to reduce added salt in the recipe since canned beans often come salted.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
If you want a lighter version, you can try using ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but cream cheese provides the best rich, tangy creaminess that holds the filling together perfectly.
Can I make the crust without Ritz crackers?
The Ritz cracker crust is what gives this Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust Recipe its unique buttery crunch. You could use finely crushed buttery crackers or even saltine crackers as substitutes, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
Your pie is ready when the filling is bubbly around the edges and the top golden brown, especially the fried onion topping. A good 45 minutes at 350°F usually does the trick.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! This pie is vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, which sometimes contains anchovies. Check labels or opt for a vegan alternative to keep it plant-based.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust Recipe in your culinary lineup. It’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor, giving a fresh spin on green beans that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a special holiday or any night when you want a dish that delights, this pie will quickly become one of your cherished classics. Give it a try and watch your loved ones swoon over each creamy, crunchy bite!
Print
Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Green Bean Pie features tender green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and onions in a creamy, flavorful filling enriched with cream cheese and seasoned with thyme, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. The unique Ritz Cracker crust, made from crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter and French fried onions, offers a crunchy, savory base that complements the creamy filling. Topped with crispy French fried onions, this pie is a comforting and innovative side dish perfect for gatherings and holiday meals.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 small sweet onion, chopped
- 12 oz sliced fresh mushrooms (about 3 cups)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, rinsed, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 pkg cream cheese (8 oz), cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup half and half (or whole milk)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup French fried onions
Ritz Cracker Pie Crust
- 11 oz Ritz crackers (about 3 sleeves or 100 crackers)
- 1/2 cup French fried onions
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs, either by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin or pulsing in a food processor. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and mix with 1/2 cup French fried onions. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until well combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the chopped sweet onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme sprigs; cook until mushrooms are softened and browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs and discard.
- Cook green beans and combine aromatics: Add the prepared green beans and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the green beans are just tender but still crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Season with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Add cream cheese and half and half: Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese cubes and half and half to the vegetable mixture. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy filling. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little bit more half and half to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble the pie: Spoon the creamy green bean mixture into the prepared Ritz cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of French fried onions on top for a crispy, flavorful topping.
- Bake the pie: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled pie on the center rack for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling set and improves the pie’s texture. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or vegetarian main.
Notes
- If you prefer a lower fat option, substitute half and half with whole milk or a lighter cream alternative.
- Fresh green beans can be blanched briefly before sautéing if you prefer a softer texture.
- Worcestershire sauce adds depth but can be omitted or replaced with soy sauce for a vegetarian version.
- This pie crust does not contain flour, making it a unique alternative to traditional pie crusts.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier melting and smoother filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
