Pin A nostalgic creamy side dish featuring tender green beans savory mushrooms and crispy fried onions a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.
I grew up enjoying green bean casserole every Thanksgiving the savory aroma of mushrooms and crunchy onions was always a sign that the holidays had truly started.
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans: 900 g (2 lb) trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces or substitute with 900 g frozen cut green beans thawed and drained
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Cremini or button mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz) sliced
- Yellow onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2 minced
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Whole milk: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp optional
- Crispy fried onions: 150 g (1½ cups) store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Blanch Green Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base:
- In a large skillet over medium heat melt the butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 6 minutes until tender and browned. Add onion and garlic cooking for another 2 3 minutes until softened.
- Make Creamy Sauce:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk cream and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened about 5 minutes. Season with salt pepper and nutmeg (if using).
- Combine Beans and Sauce:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a 2 liter (2 quart) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove from oven top with remaining onions and bake for 5 7 minutes more until golden and crisp.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin Every year my family gathers to scoop hearty portions straight from the casserole dish right at the table somebody always sneaks extra crispy onions on top!
Required Tools
Large pot colander large skillet whisk 2 liter (2 quart) baking dish oven
Allergen Information
Contains milk wheat gluten in flour and fried onions possible soy in store bought fried onions always double check labels
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 265 total fat 15 g carbohydrates 25 g protein 6 g
Pin This casserole is always a crowd-pleaser with rich creamy flavor and a crisp onion finish ready in under an hour.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can frozen green beans be used instead of fresh?
Yes, thawed and drained frozen green beans work well and save prep time without compromising texture.
- → What gives the sauce its creamy texture?
A combination of butter, flour, milk, cream, and vegetable broth creates the sauce’s rich and velvety consistency.
- → How do I achieve crispy topping?
Sprinkle fried onions on top before baking, then again near the end to keep them golden and crunchy.
- → Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble through step 6 and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add onions and bake just before serving.
- → What other ingredients enhance the flavor?
Adding grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce boosts richness and depth.