Delicious green bean casserole recipe with creamy sauce and crispy toppings.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Green Bean Casserole is a beloved dish, especially popular during holiday gatherings. Its creamy texture and crunchy topping make it a perfect side that everyone enjoys. This casserole combines fresh green beans with a rich mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for added flavor and texture. It’s a dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal.

how to make Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

  • 750g/1.5lb green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 2 large yellow onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced (or 3 medium)
  • 1/4 cup (35g) flour (plain/all-purpose)
  • 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs (Note 1)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cups/1 litre (approx) vegetable oil (for deep-frying or peanut, canola oil – Note 2)
  • 3 tbsp (50g) butter (unsalted)
  • 360g/12 oz mushrooms, chopped into 1cm/1/3" pieces
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp (35g) flour (plain/all-purpose)
  • 1 1/2 cups (375ml) vegetable or chicken broth/stock (low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) cream (heavy/thickened)
  • Pinch nutmeg (or sprinkle of freshly grated)

Directions

Beans:
First, cook the green beans in boiling water for about 5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set them aside to cool.

Crispy Onions:
In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them until they are golden brown. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Once they are crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain.

Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the chopped mushrooms, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are tender. Then, add in the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute. Sprinkle in 3 tbsp of flour and mix well. Gradually pour in the broth and stir until the mixture thickens. Lastly, add cream and a pinch of nutmeg, stir until combined.

Assemble & Bake:
In a large baking dish, combine the green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and some of the fried onions. Mix gently. Top with remaining crispy onions. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until everything is hot and bubbling.

how to serve Green Bean Casserole

Serve Green Bean Casserole as a delicious side dish for your holiday meals or cozy family dinners. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, turkey, or even as part of a vegetarian feast. Garnish with extra crispy onions on top for an appealing presentation.

how to store Green Bean Casserole

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

tips to make Green Bean Casserole

  • For extra flavor, you can add grated cheese to the creamy sauce before baking. Cheddar or mozzarella works well.
  • Consider using fresh mushrooms instead of canned for a richer taste.
  • If you want to make it ahead of time, prepare everything and store it unbaked in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving.

variation

You can try using different vegetables like broccoli or asparagus in place of green beans for a twist. Some people like to add chopped bacon or ham for extra heartiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make a gluten-free version.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.