Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

Description

This homemade green bean casserole is a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic holiday side dish no canned soup in sight! Tender green beans are tossed in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect comfort-food favorite that’s both elegant and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 8 oz (225 g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Crispy Onion Topping:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced into rings

• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk)

• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes until bright green and just tender.

3. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crispy Onion Topping

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Toss onion slices in buttermilk, then dredge in flour mixed with salt and pepper.

3. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Mushroom Cream Sauce

1. In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and golden.

3. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.

4. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste.

5. Slowly whisk in broth until smooth, then add cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

6. Simmer 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine green beans with mushroom sauce.

3. Top evenly with crispy onions.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

1. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until bubbling and golden.

2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Equipment

• Large pot

• Large skillet

• Baking dish (9×13-inch)

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Tongs or slotted spoon

• Paper towels

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Serving Size: 8 servings

Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

This homemade green bean casserole is a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic holiday side dish no canned soup in sight! Tender green beans are tossed in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect comfort-food favorite that’s both elegant and satisfying.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:20 minutes mins

Cook Time:35 minutes mins

Total Time:55 minutes mins

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Baking dish (9x13-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
• 1 lb 450 g fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz 225 g cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup 240 ml chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
• ½ cup 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg optional
• For the Crispy Onion Topping:
• 1 large onion thinly sliced into rings
• ½ cup 60 g all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup 120 ml buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 cup 240 ml vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes until bright green and just tender.
• Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
• Step 2: Make the Crispy Onion Topping
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Toss onion slices in buttermilk, then dredge in flour mixed with salt and pepper.
• Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
• Step 3: Make the Mushroom Cream Sauce
• In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
• Add mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and golden.
• Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
• Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste.
• Slowly whisk in broth until smooth, then add cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Simmer 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
• Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine green beans with mushroom sauce.
• Top evenly with crispy onions.
• Step 5: Bake & Serve
• Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until bubbling and golden.

Servings: 8 servings

10 FAQs About Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the sauce to prevent excess moisture.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole (without the crispy onions) up to 1 day in advance, refrigerate, then add the onions right before baking.

3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

4. Can I use canned fried onions instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought fried onions save time and taste great, but homemade adds freshness.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and coat onions in gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use a plant-based butter, dairy-free cream (like coconut cream or cashew cream), and omit Parmesan or use a vegan substitute.

7. How do I keep the onions crispy?
Add them just before baking and avoid covering the casserole with foil.

8. Can I add cheese to the topping?
Yes! Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Gruyère on top along with the onions for extra flavor.

9. How do I prevent watery casserole?
Dry green beans well after blanching, and let the sauce thicken fully before combining.

10. Can I freeze this casserole?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the onion topping for up to 2 months.

How To Store Green Bean Casserole

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Assemble without onion topping, wrap well in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

• Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. If reheating leftovers, add fresh crispy onions on top for best texture.