The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Comfort food takes center stage with this mouthwatering green bean casserole that blends crispy textures and rich, creamy flavors.

Classic holiday dishes rarely come as satisfying as this beloved side that will steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Tender green beans nestle beneath a golden, crunchy topping that adds irresistible crunch to every bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet spectacular dish that brings warmth to the dinner table.

Crisp, fresh ingredients transform an ordinary vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that everyone will crave.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of creamy sauce, perfectly cooked green beans, and those addictive crispy onions on top.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns humble green beans into the star of the meal.

Iconic Holiday Side: Green Bean Casserole

• Whip Up Comfort: A classic side dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal, perfect for family gatherings and holiday tables.
• Master Easy Cooking: Beginner-friendly recipe with simple steps and minimal ingredients, allowing even novice cooks to create a delicious restaurant-quality dish.
• Customize Your Creation: Versatile recipe that welcomes personal touches like crispy bacon, parmesan cheese, or extra herbs to match individual taste preferences.
• Nutrition Meets Flavor: Combines fresh green beans with a creamy sauce, offering a balanced and nutritious side that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.

The Best Green Bean Casserole Ingredient List

• Green Beans: Fresh and crisp vegetables that form the base of this classic casserole.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful fungi that add depth to the sauce.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté the mushrooms.

• Flour: Helps thicken the creamy sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory flavor and helps create the base of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a rich and luxurious consistency.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a subtle umami and salty flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic and pungent flavor to the mushroom base.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Fried Onions, Parmesan Cheese, Bacon: Optional toppings that add crunch, saltiness, and extra flavor to the casserole.

Directions for Classic Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Green Beans

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.

Toss in the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender.

Quickly drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Sauté Mushroom Base

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop in butter and let it melt completely.

• Sliced mushrooms
• Minced garlic

Cook until the mushrooms become golden and release their delicious aroma.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir continuously for one minute.

• Vegetable broth
• Heavy cream
• Soy sauce

Whisk constantly to prevent lumps and let the sauce simmer until it thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Season and Combine

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Gently fold the blanched green beans into the creamy mushroom sauce, ensuring every bean is generously coated.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the saucy green beans to a baking dish.

Generously top with crispy fried onions.

For extra indulgence, sprinkle parmesan cheese or crumbled bacon if desired.

Slide the dish into a preheated oven and bake until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.

Casserole Tips for Creamy, Crispy Beans

• Cook green beans in boiling water exactly 3-4 minutes to maintain crisp texture and bright green color without overcooking.
• Use fresh mushrooms like cremini or white button for deeper flavor, chopping them finely to distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
• Whisk broth and cream slowly to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky, consistent sauce that coats green beans perfectly.
• Layer fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning while keeping them deliciously crunchy.
• Replace cream with unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version, and use gluten-free flour to make the dish suitable for various dietary needs.

Fun Green Bean Casserole Variations

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Replace green beans with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version. Use almond flour instead of regular flour and skip the fried onions.
• Vegan Green Bean Delight: Swap butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and replace cream with coconut milk. Top with crispy breadcrumbs or roasted nuts instead of fried onions.
• Gluten-Free Green Bean Bake: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace traditional fried onions with gluten-free crispy onions.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Casserole: Add sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs like oregano. Use olive oil and reduce cream for a lighter Mediterranean touch.

Plating the Best Green Bean Casserole

• Festive Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this comforting casserole for a heartwarming meal that sparks joy and conversation.
• Holiday Sidekick: Pair this green bean dish with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or classic pot roast to create a memorable dinner spread.
• Gourmet Garnish Party: Sprinkle extra crispy fried onions, toasted almond slivers, or crumbled bacon just before serving to add delightful crunch and flavor complexity.
• Leftover Magic: Enjoy cold the next day as a unique salad topping or reheat gently for a quick lunch that brings back dinner memories.

Storage Ideas for Green Bean Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with crispy onion topping.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Add fresh crispy onions on top for crunch.

FAQs

• Are fresh green beans better than frozen?

Fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor. They’re crisp, bright, and have a more vibrant taste compared to frozen beans. If fresh aren’t available, frozen can work, but drain them well before using.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble everything except the fried onion topping, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the onions and bake. This makes holiday meal prep easier.

• How do I prevent my green beans from becoming mushy?

Blanch the green beans briefly in boiling water for just 3-4 minutes, then immediately shock them in ice water. This technique stops the cooking process and helps maintain their crisp texture. Don’t overcook during the baking stage.

The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Green bean casserole brings nostalgic comfort to family gatherings with its creamy sauce and crispy onion topping. Homemade goodness shines through layers of tender green beans, rich mushroom cream, and golden-brown onion crunch you’ll absolutely love.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds fresh green beans
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms
• 1.5 cups French’s fried onions

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Optional Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup grated parmesan
• 4 slices bacon

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Instructions

1. Prepare green beans by briefly immersing in rapidly boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then immediately cool in ice water to halt cooking process and preserve vibrant color.
2. Heat skillet over medium temperature, gently melt butter until it shimmers, then add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, sautéing until fungi release moisture and become tender.
3. Dust mushroom mixture with flour, stirring constantly to prevent clumping, allowing raw flour taste to cook out for approximately 60 seconds.
4. Gradually introduce broth while whisking, creating smooth liquid foundation, then blend in cream and soy sauce, allowing mixture to gently simmer and thicken into velvety consistency.
5. Season sauce with salt and freshly cracked pepper, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
6. Combine prepared green beans with sauce, ensuring each vegetable is evenly coated and glistening.
7. Transfer bean mixture to ceramic baking vessel, spreading contents uniformly for consistent heating.
8. Generously crown casserole with crispy fried onions, optional parmesan cheese shavings, or crumbled bacon for enhanced texture and flavor complexity.
9. Slide into preheated 350°F oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until edges bubble enthusiastically and surface transforms into golden, appetizing landscape.

Notes

• Blanch green beans quickly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, ensuring they don’t become mushy during baking.
• Swap cream for lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to create a healthier version of the classic casserole.
• Use gluten-free flour and tamari sauce to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Try additional vegetables like sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers to boost nutritional value and add extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 198 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg