If you are searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings a satisfying crunch and creamy richness together, look no further than this Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe. It’s an all-time favorite side dish that instantly elevates any meal with its vibrant green beans, savory mushroom sauce, and that irresistible layer of crispy fried onions on top. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, holiday feast, or simply craving something cozy and delicious, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy, savory, and crunchy textures you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe truly special are its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: fresh or frozen green beans for a crisp, vibrant base; mushrooms and garlic for earthy depth; creamy sauce components that bring everything together; and crispy fried onions that deliver the perfect golden finish.
- 1 pound frozen or fresh green beans: Choose fresh for peak crunch or frozen for convenience and year-round availability.
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the mushrooms perfectly.
- 7 ounces cremini or white mushrooms (sliced): Provides savory, umami-packed texture and taste.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and subtle spiciness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple herb blend that brightens and rounds out flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Works as the thickening agent for your luscious mushroom sauce.
- 1 cup chicken or veggie broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce without overpowering.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates a rich, silky texture that makes this casserole irresistibly creamy.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Offers a delicate tang that lifts the sauce.
- 2 cups French’s Fried Onions (divided): The must-have crispy topping that’s the hallmark of this classic dish.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty finish that bakes to golden perfection on top.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
How to Make Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Beans
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning the rack in the top third to ensure even baking and a perfectly crisp topping. Meanwhile, boil a pot of salted water and blanch your green beans for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on whether you’re using frozen or fresh. This quick cooking keeps them tender yet still crisp and retains their vibrant green color. After blanching, shock the beans in ice-cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain thoroughly. Transfer the cooled green beans to your casserole dish, ready to welcome the delicious sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Sauté them until the mushrooms release their water and it evaporates—about 6 to 8 minutes—resulting in a nicely browned, deeply flavored mixture. These sautéed mushrooms are a key flavor base that turns this dish into something much more than just green beans with cream.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in the flour, cooking it for 1 to 2 minutes until it develops a nutty aroma and a touch of golden color. Then add your broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard, whisking continuously until smooth and lump-free. Let the sauce gently bubble and thicken for 4 to 5 minutes to reach a luscious consistency similar to Alfredo sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper, remembering that the salty fried onions will add more seasoning later.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour this creamy mushroom sauce over the green beans and sautéed mushrooms in the casserole dish. Add half of your crispy fried onions and toss everything gently to combine and spread in an even layer. Top with the remaining fried onions and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and the topping to turn perfectly golden and crispy.
How to Serve Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra flourish, sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top. Their fresh, herbaceous notes complement the creamy, savory casserole and brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or any main protein that needs a creamy yet crunchy vegetable side. You can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad to round out a comforting and well-balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, bake individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation. Alternatively, you can layer the casserole in a clear glass dish for a stunning view of the vibrant beans and creamy layers, topped with golden fried onions and Parmesan cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making it a wonderful make-ahead dish for busy days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well before baking. Assemble it completely, then cover tightly with foil and a freezer-safe lid or wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a low oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit covered tightly with foil to keep it moist, removing the foil at the end to re-crisp the topping. Microwave works for a quick fix but can soften the crispy onions.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans provide a wonderful texture and flavor, but just be sure to blanch them a little longer—about 5 minutes—to ensure tenderness while keeping that iconic crunch.
Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use vegetarian-friendly fried onions or make your own. The dish remains equally creamy and flavorful.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter, but the casserole won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For the best results, stick with heavy cream for that luscious texture.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free fried onions. Double-check your broth and other ingredients for hidden gluten to keep the dish safe.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes! Assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a wonderful recipe for holidays or busy days when you want to get ahead.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people to the table quite like the Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe, blending creamy sauce, flavorful mushrooms, tender beans, and the crunchiest onions on top. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug and a celebration all at once. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become your new favorite side dish that you’ll look forward to making time and time again.
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Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Green Bean Casserole recipe offers a creamy, savory twist on the classic comfort dish. Fresh or frozen green beans are lightly boiled and combined with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and a rich cream sauce, then topped with crispy French’s fried onions and parmesan cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s the perfect side dish for family dinners and holiday meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound frozen or fresh green beans
- 7 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Butter
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups French’s Fried Onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the upper third of the oven to ensure even baking and browning of the casserole.
- Cook Green Beans: Bring a salted pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3 minutes if frozen or 5 minutes if fresh until just tender. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly and place the beans in a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the mushrooms release their water and it evaporates, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked mushrooms to the casserole dish with the beans.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and nutty in aroma. Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard, making sure there are no lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until it thickens to an Alfredo sauce consistency. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Assemble: Pour the cream sauce over the green beans and mushrooms in the casserole dish. Add half of the French’s Fried Onions and gently toss to combine everything evenly. Spread the mixture out uniformly in the dish.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly on top, followed by the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans if available for the best texture, but frozen works perfectly and saves prep time.
- Sautéing mushrooms thoroughly is key to avoid excess water making the casserole soggy.
- Be careful not to over-thicken the sauce on the stove as it will further thicken in the oven.
- You can substitute vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the casserole may be less rich.
