Save A nostalgic creamy side dish featuring tender green beans savory mushrooms and crispy fried onions a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.
This casserole was always a centerpiece at our family table especially during Thanksgiving. The creamy sauce and crispy onions brought everyone back for seconds.
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 for sautéing vegetables
- Cremini or button mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz) sliced to add earthiness
- Yellow onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2 minced for extra flavor
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp for thickening
- Whole milk: 240 ml (1 cup) for creamy texture
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (½ cup) for richness
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: 120 ml (½ cup) for added depth
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp optional
- Crispy fried onions: 150 g (1½ cups) store-bought or homemade for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare green beans:
- Bring pot of salted water to boil. Add green beans. Cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Cook vegetables:
- Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms cook 5-6 minutes until tender. Add onion and garlic cook 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Make sauce:
- Stir in flour cook 1 minute stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk cream and broth. Bring to simmer and cook until thickened about 5 minutes. Season with salt pepper and nutmeg if using.
- Combine and assemble:
- Add green beans to skillet tossing to coat evenly. Transfer mixture to 2-liter baking dish. Sprinkle half of fried onions on top.
- Bake casserole:
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove from oven top with remaining onions and bake for 5-7 minutes more until golden and crisp.
- Rest and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Every year my grandmother made sure the casserole was piping hot when we gathered together. Her special touch was adding extra onions for crunch which became our family tradition.
Suggested Pairings
This classic green bean casserole pairs perfectly with roast turkey or chicken for holiday meals.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare everything up to the baking step refrigerate covered and add the onions right before baking.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 265 calories 15 g total fat 25 g carbohydrates and 6 g protein.
Save This old-school green bean casserole never fails to satisfy every guest and makes any dinner feel special.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans work well when thawed and drained, offering convenience without sacrificing texture.
- → What can I substitute for cremini mushrooms?
Button mushrooms are a perfect alternative and provide a similar earthy flavor and texture.
- → How do I achieve crispy topping without store-bought onions?
You can make your own fried onions by thinly slicing onions, coating them lightly, and frying until golden and crispy.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, assemble through the sauce and bean step, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add the topping and bake before serving.
- → What variations can enhance the flavor?
Adding grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce introduces richness and depth.