When I first made this Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe, I couldn’t believe how much fresher and tastier it was than the canned soup version I grew up with. I realized how simple it is to create those rich, comforting flavors using fresh ingredients, and now it’s a staple at every family gathering.
The vibrant green beans, savory cream sauce, and perfectly crisp fried onions make each bite irresistible. Even those who don’t usually like vegetables come back for seconds! Trust me, once you try this from-scratch recipe, you’ll never go back to the old version.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create a casserole that’s loaded with fresh, creamy, crispy goodness.
- 1 lb fresh green beans (trim the ends; fresh beans have the best crunch and flavor).
- 8 tbsp salted butter (divided; adds rich creaminess to the sauce and sautéed vegetables).
- 1 large onion, chopped (brings sweet, savory notes to the flavor base).
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (adds earthy, umami depth to the dish).
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (a fragrant boost for the sauce).
- 2 ½ cups half-and-half (makes the sauce creamy without being overly heavy).
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (thickens the sauce perfectly).
- 1 tsp salt (to balance the flavors of the creamy sauce).
- 1 tsp black pepper (adds light heat and seasoning).
- 2 cups crispy fried onions (the crispy topping everyone loves).
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, optional (gives a nutty, cheesy edge to the casserole).
Note: This recipe serves 6 to 8 people generously.
Variations to Customize Your Casserole
Make the recipe your own by trying these simple swaps and additions!
- Dairy-Free/Lightened-Up: Swap half-and-half for coconut or almond milk to make it dairy-free. Use less butter for a lighter option.
- Add Protein: Toss crispy bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken into the mix for an extra hearty dish.
- Swap Green Beans: Use frozen green beans as a time-saving option or even canned, skipping the blanching step.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long you’ll need to create this delicious casserole from scratch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Having the right tools makes a big difference while preparing this dish.
- Large Skillet: Ideal for preparing the onion-mushroom mix and cream sauce.
- Large Pot: To blanch the fresh green beans for a perfect texture.
- 9-Inch Baking Dish: For layering and baking the casserole evenly.
- Mixing Bowls: Helps in combining your cooked ingredients and assembling easily.
How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole?
Making this from scratch is simpler than you think, and the results are well worth the effort!
Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for 7-8 minutes until golden and caramelized. Toss in the mushrooms and cook for another 4 minutes, letting them soften and release their juices. Add the minced garlic for extra fragrance, stir everything together, and transfer it to a large bowl.
Make the Cream Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour or cornstarch, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the half-and-half, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper, then taste and adjust as needed to create the perfect balance.
Prep the Fresh Green Beans
Boil a pot of water and blanch the green beans for 6-7 minutes. This keeps them tender yet crisp. Drain immediately and transfer them to an ice bath to lock in their vibrant green color and stop the cooking process.
Combine and Assemble
Mix the sautéed vegetables into the cream sauce, then fold in the green beans until they’re evenly coated. Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan on top for a cheesy twist, then smooth the surface evenly.
Bake and Add Crispy Goodness
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes or until you see gentle bubbles around the edges. Remove it from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top. Bake for another 5 minutes to lightly brown the onions and make them irresistibly crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
Bring the casserole out of the oven, garnish with some fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve it warm. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Tips for Making This Recipe Even Better
I’ve learned a few tricks from making this casserole time and time again!
- Take Your Time with the Sauce: Whisking the sauce patiently until thick ensures there are no lumps and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Beans: Blanching the beans just until tender makes sure they retain their crunch even after baking.
- Add the Fried Onions Last: For the ultimate crispy topping, add the onions during the last few minutes of baking.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Like a Pro?
This casserole is a classic side dish that fits any table, and here are some serving ideas.
- Holiday Showstopper: Pair it with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
- Midweek Comfort: Serve as a side to roasted chicken or pork chops for a cozy family meal.
- Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with parsley or a pinch of paprika for a pretty pop of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each creamy, satisfying serving contains the following approximate nutrients.
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 25g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is perfect to prep ahead or store for leftovers!
Refrigeration
Prepare the casserole (minus the crispy onion topping) in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the fried onions just before baking, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this casserole, assemble it without baking or adding the onions. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight and bake as instructed, adding the crispy onions at the end.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Green Bean Casserole?
Here’s why this casserole is a staple in my recipe collection!
- Fresh Ingredients Shine: Vibrant green beans and a made-from-scratch sauce are far superior to anything canned.
- Versatile and Customizable: Adjust the recipe with your favorite cheeses, proteins, or vegetables.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy, crispy, and full of nostalgic flavor, it’s a side dish everyone loves.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps make it easy to recreate this classic with confidence.
Once you make this homemade green bean casserole, you’ll see why it’s such a hit. It’s sure to bring flavor, comfort, and nostalgia to your table every time you serve it. Try it for your next dinner or holiday celebration, and enjoy every bite!
Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 8 tbsp salted butter divided
- 1 large onion chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2½ cups half-and-half
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups crispy fried onions
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Start by heating 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for 7-8 minutes until golden and caramelized. Toss in the mushrooms and cook for another 4 minutes, letting them soften and release their juices. Add the minced garlic for extra fragrance, stir everything together, and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour or cornstarch, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the half-and-half, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper, then taste and adjust as needed to create the perfect balance.
- Boil a pot of water and blanch the green beans for 6-7 minutes. This keeps them tender yet crisp. Drain immediately and transfer them to an ice bath to lock in their vibrant green color and stop the cooking process.
- Mix the sautéed vegetables into the cream sauce, then fold in the green beans until they’re evenly coated. Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan on top for a cheesy twist, then smooth the surface evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes or until you see gentle bubbles around the edges. Remove it from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top. Bake for another 5 minutes to lightly brown the onions and make them irresistibly crispy.
- Bring the casserole out of the oven, garnish with some fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve it warm. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Notes
- Add bacon bits or rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- Use coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Swap in frozen or canned green beans for ease (no blanching needed).
- Pro Tip: Add crispy onions only during the last few minutes of baking to keep them from burning.
