If you’re craving a comforting, classic dish that truly shines with fresh flavors and homemade goodness, then this Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the beloved holiday staple up a notch by using crisp-tender fresh green beans, a luscious mushroom cream sauce, and crunchy fried onions that bring the perfect texture contrast. This recipe not only embraces tradition but invites warmth and joy to every bite, making it ideal for family dinners or festive celebrations alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish, and each one plays a key role in building the rich flavors and inviting textures that make this casserole so special.
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans (trimmed and halved): These bring vibrant color and a crisp, fresh bite that’s far superior to canned alternatives.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a silky richness that helps meld the flavors beautifully.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses flavor with a subtle, savory punch.
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms (sliced): Their earthy flavor and meaty texture are essential for a creamy mushroom sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme: This herb delivers a lovely, woodsy note to complement the mushrooms.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the sauce into a luscious coating for the green beans.
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Builds a deep, savory foundation for the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and silky.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, salty twist that elevates the flavor even more.
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (divided): The crowning glory – a crunchy, golden topping that brings irresistible texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Blanch the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your trimmed and halved green beans and blanch them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re just tender but still have a bit of snap. This step locks in the vibrant color and fresh flavor you want, so be sure not to overcook them. Drain the beans and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and toss in the finely chopped onion. Let the onion soften and become translucent over 2 to 3 minutes, releasing its natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown nicely. This deepens the flavor of your sauce and sets a delicious base for the casserole.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Season the mushroom mixture with salt, black pepper, and thyme, letting the herbs mingle with the savory elements. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed mixture and stir constantly for about a minute to cook out any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the broth followed by the milk, keeping the mixture smooth and lump-free. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens into a velvety coating. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it in now for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the blanched green beans along with half a cup of the crispy fried onions. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling happily. Then sprinkle the remaining cup of fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, letting those onions turn a golden, irresistible brown that’s just begging to be devoured.
How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the crispy fried onions provide the perfect crunch, you can elevate your presentation by adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives. This adds a pop of bright green and a fresh aroma that pairs beautifully with the earthy richness of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even a hearty grain like wild rice. The creamy green beans balance out heartier proteins and make the perfect companion to a festive holiday table or any cozy family meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, you can prepare individual servings in ramekins topped with the crispy onions for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, try layering the casserole in a trifle dish to showcase the colorful beans and creamy mushroom sauce for a visually stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the fried onions crisp, it’s best to store the topping separately and add it fresh before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole, but hold off on adding the final fried onion layer until you bake it. Freeze the prepared casserole (without topping) in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Add fresh fried onions on top during the last few minutes to restore that wonderfully crispy crunch.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans for this recipe?
While fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor, you can use canned green beans if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and reduce the blanching time since canned beans are already cooked.
Is this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! As written, this Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and making sure the fried onions don’t contain animal products.
Can I make the casserole vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, and choose vegan-friendly fried onions.
What’s the best way to get crispy fried onions?
Store-bought crispy fried onions work wonderfully here. For extra crispiness, add half before baking and the other half after to maintain crunch. If you want to make your own, thinly slice onions, toss in flour, and fry until golden.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Consider mixing in blanched asparagus tips, frozen peas, or small cauliflower florets to add color and additional texture. Just adjust blanching times accordingly so everything is tender together.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a heartfelt tribute to a classic that never goes out of style. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparking smiles and second helpings every time. Whether it’s for your next holiday feast or a comforting weeknight supper, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you for it!
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Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a classic American side dish perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving. It features fresh green beans blanched to tender crispness, enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, and mushrooms, then topped with crispy fried onions baked to golden perfection. This vegetarian casserole delivers comforting flavors with a rich yet light sauce and crispy texture contrast.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Pantry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and blanch green beans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the trimmed and halved green beans and blanch them for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking, then set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Season and thicken sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, and thyme evenly. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and continuously stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids and simmer: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth followed by the whole milk, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, approximately 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using, then remove from heat.
- Combine with green beans and onions: Fold the blanched green beans and 1/2 cup of the crispy fried onions into the creamy mushroom mixture. Pour this into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake casserole: Bake the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until bubbly around the edges.
- Add topping and finish baking: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crispy fried onions evenly on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead; just add the final crispy onion topping right before baking to keep it crunchy.
- Substitute part of the milk with heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly without altering the delicious flavor.
