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
Scale
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.
