Save A nostalgic, creamy side dish featuring tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy fried onions—a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.
I remember this casserole gracing our holiday table every year. The creamy sauce and crispy onion topping were always crowd-pleasers, making leftovers a rare treat.
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans: 900 g (2 lb), trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces (or substitute with 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
- Prep 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 rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Cook vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 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 sauce:
- Stir in 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 and transfer:
- Add drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake:
- Transfer mixture to a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling.
- Finish topping:
- Remove from oven, top with remaining onions, and bake for 5-7 minutes more until golden and crisp.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing green bean casserole around our table is a tradition that brings everyone together and sparks stories from years gone by.
Preparation and Cooking Time
It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook, so you'll have a finished casserole in under an hour.
Make-Ahead and Leftovers
You can assemble up to baking, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake with onions before serving. Leftovers reheat well.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains 265 calories, 15 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Save Green bean casserole is the heart of any nostalgic feast. Serve warm and enjoy each creamy, crunchy bite.
Cooking Questions
- → Can frozen green beans be used instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be thawed and drained before cooking to achieve a similar texture.
- → What alternatives are there for crispy fried onions?
You can use store-bought fried onions or make them at home by frying thinly sliced onions until golden and crunchy.
- → How can the sauce be thickened properly?
Cooking flour with butter before adding liquids ensures a smooth, thickened sauce without lumps.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping and bake when ready.
- → What cheese options enhance the flavor?
Adding grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère to the sauce adds a rich, savory depth.
- → What dishes pair well with this green bean side?
This side complements roast turkey, chicken, or other hearty mains for holiday meals.