A creamy, savory green bean casserole from scratch is easier than you think and tastes so much better than the canned version. You’ll love this elevated take on a classic comfort food, perfect for any family meal or holiday gathering.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Fresh Green Beans: Using fresh beans makes a huge difference in texture and flavor. Frozen green beans can be used in a pinch, but fresh is highly recommended.
- Mushrooms: Fresh cremini or white button mushrooms are best for the sauce. Canned mushrooms will alter the flavor significantly.
- Cream or Milk: Heavy cream creates the richest sauce, but whole milk or half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter version.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Store-bought crispy fried onions are a classic topping, or you can make your own with thinly sliced onions.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth to the sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Green Bean Casserole:
* 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
* 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
* ½ cup unsalted butter
* ½ cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1 (6-ounce) can crispy fried onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Large pot, large skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Drain immediately and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking, then drain thoroughly.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are softened and have released their liquid, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring until smooth and thickened.
4. Finish the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and whisk well. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the sautéed mushrooms.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the cream sauce and stir to coat them evenly. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake and Serve
Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle 2/3 of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Serve your homemade green bean casserole hot.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without the crispy onions) up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add the onions and bake when ready.
Why are my green beans tough?
They likely weren’t blanched long enough. Ensure they are tender-crisp before adding to the sauce.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can, but fresh is preferred for texture. Thaw frozen beans and pat them dry before adding to the casserole.
What if my sauce is too thin/thick?
If too thin, simmer longer. If too thick, whisk in a little more broth or cream until desired consistency.
Can I add cheese to this green bean casserole?
Absolutely! A sprinkle of cheddar or Parmesan cheese can be added with the crispy onions for extra flavor.
Is this green bean casserole gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux to make it gluten-free.