Description
This homemade green bean casserole is a classic American comfort dish perfect for holidays and family gatherings. Featuring tender blanched green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions, it combines rich flavors and satisfying textures for a timeless side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms (sliced)
Dairy & Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (divided)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and blanch: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process, preserving their bright green color and crisp texture.
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their juices and start to brown, about 5 to 7 minutes, developing rich flavor.
- Create the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Slowly pour in the broth followed by the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue simmering the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and assemble: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the blanched green beans along with half a cup of crispy fried onions. Transfer this creamy vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake and finish: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead of time; simply add the crispy fried onion topping and bake right before serving.
- For a plant-based variation, substitute dairy-free milk and vegan butter instead of regular milk and butter.
- Using fresh green beans enhances the dish’s texture and flavor compared to canned beans.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
