Creamy Homestyle Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions (Print Version)
Classic Green Bean Casserole, a family favorite. Creamy, savory, and topped with crunchy onions. This recipe brings back all the warm holiday feels.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 ½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
02 -
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
03 -
½ cup crispy fried onions (plus more for topping)
→ Creamy Sauce Essentials
04 -
4 tbsp unsalted butter
05 -
1 yellow onion, finely diced
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
¼ cup all-purpose flour
08 -
2 cups vegetable broth
09 -
1 cup heavy cream
10 -
½ cup whole milk
11 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Flavor Boosters
12 -
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
13 -
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
→ Optional Extras
14 -
Pinch of smoked paprika
15 -
Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those green beans ready, hon! I always blanch them quickly in boiling, salted water for about 3-4 minutes until they're bright green and just tender-crisp. You want them to retain a little bite, because nobody wants mushy beans in their Green Bean Casserole, right? Then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking. This is where I always forget to salt the water, oops, but it makes a difference, trust me!
02 -
Next, in a big, comfy skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Let them get nice and soft, maybe 5-7 minutes. I love how the kitchen starts to smell when these are cooking; it’s just so inviting! Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn; that’s a mistake I made once, and it ruined the whole batch of Green Bean Casserole. Keep stirring, hon!
03 -
Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggies and stir it in for about a minute. This creates a roux, which is fancy talk for our thickening agent. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, then the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken up. Oh, the smell of that developing creamy sauce? It’s pure comfort! Season with salt and pepper to taste here for your Green Bean Casserole.
04 -
Now for the fun part! Take your blanched green beans and gently fold them into that glorious, creamy mushroom sauce. Stir in about half of your shredded cheddar cheese too. I usually do this right in the skillet, but if it’s getting too full, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Make sure everything is nicely coated; you want every bean to feel loved by that sauce for the best Green Bean Casserole.
05 -
Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. I usually give the dish a little butter rub first, just to be safe. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Pop it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. You’ll start smelling it throughout the house, and that’s your cue for a delicious Green Bean Casserole!
06 -
Almost there! Take the Green Bean Casserole out of the oven and scatter those crispy fried onions all over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until the onions are golden brown and perfectly crunchy. Watch them closely, because they can go from golden to burnt in a flash! Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The final result should be bubbly, creamy, and wonderfully aromatic – a true classic Green Bean Casserole!
# Notes:
01 -
Always blanch your fresh green beans for that perfect tender-crisp texture in your Green Bean Casserole.
02 -
To store leftovers, cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, not the microwave!
03 -
If you're out of fresh mushrooms, canned ones (drained) work okay, but fresh adds better texture and flavor.
04 -
For an extra special touch, sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves over the top before serving your Green Bean Casserole.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
mixing bowls
04 -
whisk
05 -
measuring cups & spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 10g