Description
Green bean casserole is a classic side dish made with tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, this comforting dish blends rich flavor with nostalgic charm.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
1 ½ pounds (680 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 2 cans, 14.5 oz each, drained)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Topping
1 ½ cups (150 g) crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the green beans – Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Blanch beans 3–4 minutes until bright green, then shock in ice water. Drain and set aside.
Cook the sauce base – In a skillet, melt butter. Add onion and cook 3 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and sauté until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
Thicken the sauce – Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth, then add milk and cream. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in cheddar if using.
Assemble – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix beans with sauce and spread into greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top – Sprinkle Parmesan, then cover with crispy fried onions.
Bake – Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden. Loosely cover with foil if onions brown too quickly.
Serve – Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Blanch beans only briefly to keep them crisp-tender.
Add cheddar or Gruyère for a richer casserole.
For a shortcut, use 2 cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup mixed with milk.
Always add onions at the end of baking for maximum crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, baked green bean recipe, creamy green beans, casserole with fried onions