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The Ultimate Homemade Green Bean Casserole: A Holiday Tradition Made Easy

Forget the shortcuts and elevate your holiday table with this exquisite Homemade Green Bean Casserole, crafted entirely from scratch using a rich, velvety mushroom sauce. This timeless recipe delivers unparalleled flavor and texture, transforming a classic side dish into an unforgettable culinary experience with surprising ease. Imagine tender, vibrant green beans enveloped in a creamy, savory garlic-herb sauce, generously topped with golden, crispy onions – it’s a dish that promises profound satisfaction and a truly delicious taste sensation.

Green Bean Casserole holds a cherished spot in countless holiday traditions, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. While many recipes resort to canned cream of mushroom soup, our version liberates this beloved dish from processed ingredients, offering a fresh, homemade approach that shines. The difference is truly remarkable, with each bite revealing layers of natural flavors and delightful textures that simply can’t be replicated by a can. This easy-to-follow, from-scratch recipe is not just a side dish; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will earn rave reviews from family and friends. Make it this Thanksgiving, for your next festive gathering, or any time you crave a comforting, incredibly tasty side dish that feels both gourmet and homey.

Planning your holiday feast? Round out your menu with other delectable sides. You might also enjoy our Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes, perfectly seasoned and tender, or our irresistibly sweet and savory Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots for a touch of bright color and flavor.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This isn’t just another green bean casserole; it’s *the* green bean casserole you’ve been searching for. Here’s why this recipe will become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire:

• Bursting with Exquisite Flavor: Unlike its bland, soup-can counterparts, this homemade casserole is a symphony of rich, earthy, and aromatic flavors. Succulent green beans and tender mushrooms are bathed in a creamy, deeply savory garlic-herb sauce, creating a luxurious base. The pièce de résistance? A generous topping of golden, crispy onions that adds a crucial textural contrast and a delightful savory crunch. Every spoonful is an indulgence, making it truly unforgettable.
• Effortlessly Simple Side Dish: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is incredibly straightforward, designed for efficiency without compromising on quality. Utilizing a handful of readily available kitchen staples, this dish transitions from your pantry to your table in approximately 30 minutes of active preparation and baking time. It’s the perfect solution for busy holiday schedules or any evening when you desire a comforting, impressive side without all the fuss.
• The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare to be showered with compliments! This green bean casserole is a universal favorite, appealing to both traditionalists and those seeking a more refined culinary experience. Its balanced flavors and appealing textures make it an instant hit at any gathering. Hosting a larger group? Simply double the recipe to ensure everyone gets a generous helping of this beautiful and delicious side.
• Fresh and Wholesome Ingredients: By making the creamy mushroom sauce from scratch, you gain complete control over the ingredients, avoiding artificial flavors, excessive sodium, and preservatives often found in canned soups. This commitment to fresh components results in a healthier, more vibrant dish that truly showcases the natural goodness of green beans and mushrooms.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Masterpiece

Crafting the perfect Green Bean Casserole from scratch requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Fresh Green Beans: The star of the show! Opt for fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and vibrant color. Frozen green beans can be a suitable alternative if fresh aren’t available (see FAQ for tips). Avoid canned beans for this recipe as they tend to be too soft.
• Cremini Mushrooms: Also known as baby bellas, these mushrooms offer a deeper, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms, which is essential for our rich homemade sauce. Slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret to achieving that luxuriously rich and velvety sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as they won’t provide the same thickness and creaminess.
• Chicken Broth: Used to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency while infusing it with savory depth. Always choose low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness of your dish. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable! It’s the cornerstone of our aromatic cream sauce, providing a pungent, warm flavor that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
• Fresh Rosemary: A sprig of fresh rosemary adds a sophisticated, aromatic, and slightly piney note that elevates the entire dish. While thyme was mentioned previously, rosemary provides a wonderful alternative or a complementary herb.
• Small Onion: Finely diced, the onion will be sautéed until partially caramelized, forming the foundational sweetness and savoriness of the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour acts as a thickening agent, creating a smooth, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the green beans.
• Unsalted Butter or Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and mushrooms. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content, while olive oil offers a healthier fat option.
• Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste throughout the cooking process. Freshly cracked pepper provides superior flavor.
• French’s Crispy Fried Onions: The iconic crunchy topping! Using store-bought crispy fried onions saves significant time and effort, and their consistent crunch is simply irresistible. You can certainly make your own, but for convenience and lasting crispness, the store-bought variety is a classic choice.

Crafting Your Homemade Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Green Bean Casserole that will impress everyone at your table:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Beans: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. Next, trim the ends off your fresh green beans and cut them into manageable 2-3 inch pieces. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then carefully drop in the trimmed green beans. Cook for just 3 minutes for a perfectly crisp-tender texture. If you prefer them slightly softer, extend the cooking time by an extra minute. Immediately drain the beans and set them aside. For extra vibrant and crisp beans, plunge them into an ice bath after draining, then drain again thoroughly.
2. Build the Flavor Base – Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter (or heat olive oil) over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until they become translucent and begin to caramelize slightly, about 5-7 minutes. This step develops a deep, sweet base for your sauce. Once the onions are softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.



3. Develop the Rich Mushroom Sauce: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the pan with the onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their moisture. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste and create a roux with the butter.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Season generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and fresh rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it visibly thickens to a luxurious, coating consistency. Remember, you want a gentle simmer, not a vigorous boil, to ensure the cream doesn’t curdle.



5. Combine and Coat: Once your sauce is perfectly thickened, gently fold in the blanched green beans. Stir thoroughly to ensure every green bean is generously coated in the rich, creamy mushroom sauce. This step is crucial for an even distribution of flavor.



6. Assemble and Top: Transfer the green bean and sauce mixture into a baking dish (if not already using an oven-safe skillet). Evenly spread the green beans, then sprinkle 1 cup of the crispy fried onions over the top. Gently mix some of the onions into the casserole if desired, or save them all for the topping.



7. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the crispy onions on top are golden brown and perfectly toasted.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute or two before serving. This brief resting period helps the sauce set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy your incredible homemade creation!



Expert Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole

Elevate your Homemade Green Bean Casserole from great to absolutely extraordinary with these essential tips and tricks:

• Always Preheat Your Oven: This ensures even cooking and helps the casserole heat through properly, preventing a soggy bottom and promoting a beautifully crisp topping.
• Embrace Fresh Green Beans: While convenient, frozen or canned green beans simply cannot compare to the crisp texture and vibrant flavor of fresh green beans. They are crucial for that optimal “snap” in every bite.
• The Ice Bath for Vibrancy: For exceptionally vibrant and crisp green beans, immediately transfer them from the boiling water to a bowl of ice water after their brief par-boil. This shocking process stops the cooking, locks in color, and maintains that perfect crunch. Drain very thoroughly before adding to the sauce.
• Customize Bean Tenderness: The 3-minute boiling time is ideal for crunchy beans. If you prefer a softer texture, feel free to boil them for an additional 1-2 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they will soften further during baking.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider finely dicing a jalapeño and sautéing it with the onions and garlic. It adds a subtle kick that beautifully complements the creamy sauce.
• Make It Cheesy: Stir in about half a cup of shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese into the sauce along with the green beans for a delightful, gooey, and savory cheesy twist.
• Garnish for Elegance: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving adds a touch of freshness and color that enhances the presentation.
• Crispy Onion Strategy: Store-bought crispy fried onions are a game-changer for convenience and their ability to stay crunchy longer than most homemade versions. To maintain maximum crispness, sprinkle half of the onions at the beginning of baking and the other half during the last 5 minutes of baking, or even right before serving.
• Prevent a Thin Sauce: If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue to stir until desired thickness is achieved.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing onions and mushrooms, ensure your pan isn’t too crowded. This allows them to brown beautifully instead of steaming, which impacts flavor.



Frequently Asked Questions About Green Bean Casserole

Here are answers to some common questions about making and serving this delightful Green Bean Casserole:

Can you make homemade Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish, perfect for streamlining holiday meal prep. Prepare the entire casserole, following all cooking directions up until the baking step. Once it has cooled completely, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Crucially, hold off on adding the crispy fried onions until you are ready to bake, as they will get soggy if added too early. When ready to serve, simply uncover, add the onions, and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to account for starting from a cold temperature.

Can you use canned mushrooms to make this recipe?

While canned mushrooms might seem like a convenient shortcut, we strongly recommend against using them for this recipe. Fresh cremini mushrooms release a unique depth of earthy flavor and have a superior firm texture that canned mushrooms simply cannot replicate. Canned mushrooms tend to be watery and have a chewier, less desirable consistency, which would compromise the overall quality and flavor of your homemade sauce.

How to store leftover green bean casserole?

Leftovers are a rare treat with this dish, but should you have any, store them properly! Transfer any remaining Green Bean Casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions or place the entire oven-safe dish (covered with foil to prevent drying) in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly warmed through and bubbly. If reheating in the oven, you might add a fresh sprinkle of crispy onions for renewed crunch.

What to serve with this easy Green Bean Casserole recipe?

This easy homemade Green Bean Casserole is a hearty, versatile side that complements a wide array of main courses, making it perfect for holidays, Thanksgiving, or simply when you desire a comforting meal. Here are some fantastic pairing ideas:

• Roasted Turkey Breast: A classic Thanksgiving pairing.
• Oven Roasted Spatchcock Chicken: A flavorful and juicy chicken option.
• Oven Roasted Whole Chicken: Ideal for a family dinner centerpiece.
• Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast: A more elegant chicken dish.
• Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs: A delicious, lighter alternative to traditional holiday meats.
• Pot Roast: The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with tender, slow-cooked beef.
• Ham or Pork Loin: The savory notes of the casserole perfectly balance the sweetness of glazed ham or pork.
• Vegetarian Holiday Roast: For a meat-free feast, it’s an ideal accompaniment to a robust plant-based roast.

Can you use frozen green beans to make green bean casserole?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen green beans if fresh ones are not readily available. However, there are a couple of important steps to ensure the best results. First, thaw the frozen beans completely before using them. You can do this by transferring them to the refrigerator the night before, or by quickly thawing them under cold running water in a colander. Second, ensure the beans are drained extremely well and patted dry before you par-boil them, as excess moisture can make your sauce watery and your beans soggy. Follow the same par-boiling steps as for fresh beans, adjusting cooking time slightly if they seem more tender.

Can you use canned beans to make green bean casserole?

While it is technically possible to use canned green beans, we highly advise against it for this specific recipe. Canned vegetables, especially green beans, tend to be very soft and lack the crisp, fresh texture that is a hallmark of a truly great green bean casserole. Using canned beans will result in a significantly different (and often mushier) texture, which can detract from the overall quality of the dish. If you must use them, drain them exceptionally well and rinse them to remove excess sodium, then skip the par-boiling step as they are already very tender.

Can You Freeze Green Bean Casserole?

We do not recommend freezing this particular Green Bean Casserole. The primary reason is that creamy sauces, like the one used in this recipe, have a tendency to separate and develop a grainy or curdled texture when frozen and then thawed. While safe to eat, the texture and appeal of the sauce would be significantly compromised. It’s best enjoyed fresh or prepared ahead and refrigerated, as discussed above.



More Holiday Dishes to Explore

Planning a festive spread? Discover more delicious recipes to complete your holiday menu:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Perfectly caramelized and flavorful.
• Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: A simple yet elegant green bean side.
• Easy Potatoes Gratin: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting.
• Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A naturally sweet and delightful alternative to classic mashed potatoes.
• Cranberry Brie Bites: A quick and impressive appetizer.
• Homemade Cranberry Sauce: Far superior to canned, with fresh, bright flavors.

I sincerely hope you cherish every recipe I share, and that this delightful Homemade Green Bean Casserole recipe brings joy and deliciousness to your table. I encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and share your experiences with friends and family!

If you make this recipe and love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below. Your feedback truly helps! Don’t forget to use my hashtag on Instagram so I can see your wonderful culinary creations. Additionally, follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST for all my latest social updates, recipes, and cooking inspiration.



Homemade Green Bean Casserole

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

This easy Homemade Green Bean Casserole recipe serves up a classic side with little effort! Vibrant and tender green beans in a dreamy creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups fresh green beans, partially cooked (see notes)
• 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, petite diced
• 1 tsp. salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp. black pepper, freshly cracked (or to taste)
• 2 tbsps. all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsps. unsalted butter, or extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 cups French’s Crispy Fried Onions, or more if you like

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim the green beans and cut into 2-3 inch long pieces.
3. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once it starts boiling, drop in the beans and cook for 3 minutes. If you like them softer, you can cook for an extra minute. Drain and set aside (optionally plunge into an ice bath for extra crispness and color, then drain well).
4. Melt the butter (or heat olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pan sear the onions until they are partially caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add in the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and mix well, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh rosemary. Mix well with a whisk to avoid any clumps.
7. Lower the heat to medium and let the sauce gently simmer to thicken up, stirring occasionally. Do not boil vigorously. The sauce should reach a creamy, coating consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
8. Once the sauce thickens, add in the par-cooked green beans. Mix gently to coat them well with the sauce.
9. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish (if not using an oven-safe skillet) and top with about 1 cup of the crispy fried onions.
10. Bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly around the edges and the onions are golden brown and crispy.
11. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Enjoy!

Notes

• Use a preheated oven for even cooking.
• We recommend using fresh green beans for optimal crispness and flavor.
• For vibrant and super crisp green beans, immediately put the beans in some ice water after boiling, then drain thoroughly.
• For crunchy beans, boil for around 3 minutes; if you prefer them softer, allow them to boil for a few more minutes.
• For a kick of heat, try adding some finely diced jalapeño with the onions.
• Make it cheesy: Stir in some shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a cheesy twist.
• Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if you like.
• Using store-bought crispy fried onions will save you a lot of time, and their crunch often lasts longer.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 6 servings | Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 769mg | Potassium: 575mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1744IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 2mg