Rich Creamy Holiday Green Bean Casserole: Simple Bake (Print Version)
Make this Creamy Holiday Green Bean Casserole your easy festive side. My simple, rich recipe brings comfort and cheer without the fuss.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian (can be)
# Ingredients:
→ Garden Fresh & Frozen
01 -
2 lbs fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced (or more!)
04 -
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
→ Creamy Sauce Essentials
05 -
4 tbsp unsalted butter
06 -
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
1.5 cups half-and-half
→ Flavor Boosters
09 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Crispy Topping
11 -
1 (6 oz) can crispy fried onions
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those green beans ready. If they're fresh, snap off the ends and give 'em a good rinse. If frozen, just let them thaw out a bit. Now, you can briefly blanch them in boiling, salted water for about 3-4 minutes, just until they're bright green and tender-crisp. Don't overcook 'em, hon, or they'll be mushy in the final bake. This is where I always forget to salt the water, oops! Drain them well and set aside. This step ensures your Creamy Holiday Green Bean Casserole has perfectly cooked beans.
02 -
Okay, so melt that butter in a big skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced yellow onion and let it soften up, about 5 minutes. You want it translucent and sweet, not browned. This is where your kitchen starts smelling amazing, hon. Then, add the minced garlic and those sliced mushrooms. Let them cook down until all that mushroom liquid is gone and they're slightly browned. I used to rush this part, and the casserole would be watery. Don't be like past-me! This step builds a foundation of flavor.
03 -
Sprinkle the flour over your softened onions and mushrooms. Stir it around for about a minute, letting it cook out that raw flour taste. This is your roux, the magical thickening base! Slowly, and I mean *slowly*, whisk in the chicken broth, then the half-and-half. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and starts to thicken. Don't stop stirring, or you'll get lumps – I've learned that the hard way, many times! It should smell rich and comforting already, a sign of a good Creamy Holiday Green Bean Casserole.
04 -
Once your sauce is thick and bubbly, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt in, making the sauce even more luscious. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the cheese adds salt, so go easy at first. Now, gently fold in those blanched green beans. Everything should be coated beautifully in that rich, creamy sauce. This is the heart of your Creamy Holiday Green Bean Casserole, so make sure it tastes just right!
05 -
Pour the green bean mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. If your dish is a little smaller, that's fine, just make sure it's not overflowing. I've definitely had oven spills before, which are no fun to clean up. Cover the dish loosely with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld together and gets the beans tender.
06 -
After 20 minutes, pull the casserole out of the oven. Remove the foil and sprinkle those crispy fried onions all over the top. Pop it back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crunchy and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Oh, the smell at this point is just heavenly! Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. That crispy top is what makes this a truly classic Creamy Holiday Green Bean Casserole.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the beans pre-bake; they'll get mushy and nobody wants that.
02 -
This casserole tastes even better the next day, trust me on that one!
03 -
Tried fresh mushrooms? Sauté them first until all their liquid is gone, hon.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh thyme on top before serving? Chef's kiss, it's so good!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
whisk
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 12g