Ep 11. Casserole Over

In the sixth season of Good Eats, Alton Brown returns to the kitchen with another exciting episode, titled "Casserole Over." The episode explores the world of casseroles and how to make them the right way.

Alton Brown begins the episode by explaining that people have taboo feelings when it comes to casseroles. He believes that casseroles are often viewed as something that only grandmothers make, and people have always thought of them as bland, mushy, and tasteless. However, Alton Brown rejects this stereotype of casseroles and believes that casseroles are one of the most versatile and flavorful dishes that you can make.

To start things off, Alton Brown says that there are three essential components of a casserole - the base, the binder, and the flavorings. He shows his viewers how to make a basic base for a casserole, which he calls "The Casserole Base," using sautéed onions, mushrooms, and garlic. This base is the foundation of any casserole that you will be making.

Next, Alton Brown moves on to the binder, which is a thick, creamy sauce that holds the casserole ingredients together. He shows his viewers how to make a basic binder using flour, butter, and milk. He explains that the binder is the glue that holds the casserole together and gives it a creamy, comforting texture.

Finally, Alton Brown moves on to the flavorings of a casserole, which he believes are the most crucial part of the dish. He gives his viewers several ideas for different flavor combinations, such as chicken and broccoli, beef and mushroom, and a vegetarian option with tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini.

One of the main takeaways from this episode is that casseroles are a great way to use up leftovers. Alton Brown shows his viewers how to make a "Leftover Casserole," which is perfect for using up that leftover turkey or roast beef from the holidays. He combines the leftover meat with some frozen vegetables, cheese, and his signature casserole base and binder to make a delicious and comforting dish.

Throughout the episode, Alton Brown also shares several tips and tricks for making the perfect casserole. For example, he suggests using a mandolin to thinly slice vegetables for even cooking, warming up your casserole dish before adding the ingredients to prevent sticking, and adding extra cheese on top of the casserole for that stringy, gooey texture.

In addition to learning how to make the perfect casserole, viewers of this episode will also get a history lesson on the dish. Alton Brown explains that the word "casserole" comes from the French word "casse," which means "dish" or "container." He also shares some interesting facts about the earliest recorded casseroles, which were made over a thousand years ago and consisted of meat stewed in a pot with vegetables and spices.

In conclusion, "Casserole Over" is an excellent episode of Good Eats that explores the world of casseroles and how to make them taste delicious. Alton Brown proves that casseroles don't have to be bland, boring dishes and can be a versatile and flavorful meal. This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to make the most out of their leftovers and create comforting, satisfying meals for their family.