Save to Pinterest A nostalgic, creamy side dish featuring tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy fried onions—a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.
This green bean casserole instantly takes me back to Thanksgiving dinners where my grandmother proudly placed this dish at the center of our table. It's the kind of recipe that brings warmth and a sense of tradition every time I make it.
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
- Prepare oven and beans:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). 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.
- Cook mushrooms and aromatics:
- 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 the 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 and bake:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest When my relatives gather, this casserole sparks stories of laughter and the joy of sharing. The crispy onion topping is the part everyone tries to sneak before dinner, making it a treasured dish for our celebrations.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large skillet, whisk, 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish, oven
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (dairy), Wheat (gluten in flour and fried onions), Soy (possible in store-bought fried onions). Always check labels for store-bought ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 265 calories, 15 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein
Save to Pinterest This classic casserole brings comfort and tradition to your table with every bite. Perfect for sharing and making new memories.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of green beans work best?
Fresh green beans trimmed and cut into pieces provide the best texture, but frozen beans can be used if thawed and drained properly.
- → Can I make the creamy sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce and bean mixture can be assembled ahead, refrigerated, and baked later with fresh crispy onions added before baking.
- → How do I get the onions crispy and golden?
Use store-bought or homemade fried onions, adding half before baking and the rest toward the end for a crunchy, golden topping.
- → Is there a way to add extra flavor?
Adding grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce enhances richness and depth of flavor.
- → What pairs well with this dish?
This creamy green bean side complements roast turkey, chicken, or other hearty main courses especially during holidays.
- → Any allergen concerns?
Contains dairy and wheat from flour and fried onions; check store-bought ingredients for soy or other allergens.