Green Bean Casserole Recipe

A classic holiday favorite, Green Bean Casserole brings together tender green beans, a rich and creamy mushroom cheese sauce, and a golden crown of crispy fried onions. This cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish is pure comfort in every forkful—and once you make it from scratch, you might never go back to the can!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients can make the most memorable dishes. Each element in this Green Bean Casserole is chosen to deliver incredible flavor, creamy texture, and that iconic color contrast—no shortcuts here, and every bite is worth it!

• Fresh green beans: Using fresh beans gives you a beautiful bite and vibrant green color—trim them evenly for best results.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the mushrooms to golden perfection.
• Baby bella mushrooms: Their deep, earthy flavor is the backbone of the sauce; chop them up small for even cooking.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just enough, making it lush but not heavy.
• Heavy cream, half & half, or whole milk: Any of these will give you a creamy base—cream is richest, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skimp!
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy layer of goodness. Freshly grated melts best and tastes brighter.
• French fried onions: The finishing touch—crispy, golden, and totally crave-worthy.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Green Bean Casserole is how endlessly adaptable it is. You can make this dish your own with a few easy tweaks, whether you’re inviting more flavors, working around allergies, or just playing with your favorite textures.

• Cheesy upgrade: Mix in a handful of sharp cheddar or gruyère with the parmesan for an even cheesier kick.
• Garlicky goodness: Add two minced garlic cloves to the mushrooms as they sauté for a mellow garlic undertone.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF fried onions to make it friendly for everyone at the table.
• Lighter take: Swap heavy cream for whole milk or unsweetened cashew milk for a lighter but still creamy sauce.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Green Beans

Wash and trim your fresh green beans, then spread them evenly in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Keeping the beans a consistent size helps them cook evenly—a small detail, but it makes a big difference in texture!

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbly but not browned. Toss in chopped baby bella mushrooms along with salt and pepper; sauté for 4-5 minutes until they’re beautifully tender and their savory aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring regularly—the mixture should become thick and fragrant. Slowly pour in your cream (or milk of choice), stirring constantly, and cook just until it begins to bubble gently on the edges.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Coat the Beans

Stir in the freshly grated parmesan and keep stirring for another 1-2 minutes, letting the cheese melt into a luscious sauce. Pour all of that goodness over the green beans in your baking dish and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Top & Bake

Finish off with a generous layer of French fried onions on top. Bake the casserole, uncovered, at 375°F for 45 minutes. If the green beans are still a tad too crisp for your liking, cover with foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until just right.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

While the classic golden onions are a must, you can take it up a notch with a sprinkle of extra fresh parmesan or a little chopped parsley for color. A twist of freshly ground black pepper at the table adds a sophisticated finish!

Side Dishes

Green Bean Casserole is the dream partner for roast turkey, glazed ham, or a hearty pot roast. Round out your table with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls, and maybe a tangy cranberry sauce for contrast—so classic, so comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner-party touch, or serve the casserole in a colorful, oven-to-table dish for extra holiday flair. Layer with extra onions between the beans and sauce for a surprise crunch in every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Green Bean Casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making those next-day bites just as delicious as the first serving.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well—just assemble (but don’t add the onions yet), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the fried onions fresh before baking for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle on a fresh handful of onions just before serving, and no one will guess it’s a leftover!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Green Bean Casserole, whether you’re revamping your holiday traditions or simply craving comfort food any time of year. With fresh ingredients and a homemade touch, it’s pure love in every bite—enjoy!

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