If there’s a side dish that feels like a cozy, joyful hug at gatherings, it’s Creamy Green Bean Casserole. Packed with tender green beans, luscious mushrooms, and a dreamy homemade sauce, this classic is crowned with crisp fried onions for unbeatable crunch. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or simply craving comfort food, this recipe lets you savor the rich flavor and satisfying textures that make Creamy Green Bean Casserole everyone’s favorite second helping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, honest ingredients that truly shine when brought together. Each one has a special role, delivering layers of flavor, verdant color, and that signature creamy finish everyone adores.
- Fresh green beans: Trimmed and cut for maximum freshness, they provide vibrant color and a naturally crisp bite.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and creates the base for your homemade mushroom sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped to infuse sweetness and depth into the sauce.
- Garlic: A little goes a long way, boosting savory notes and aroma.
- Button mushrooms: Sliced thin, their earthy flavor makes the casserole extra hearty.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, ensuring your casserole is perfectly creamy.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory background flavor; swap with veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
- Heavy cream: Gives that luxurious, velvety texture everyone swoons over.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to make the flavors pop.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch adds warmth and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For a richer, cheesier finish if you like a little extra indulgence.
- Crispy fried onions: The iconic topping, bringing irresistible crunch and savoriness.
How to Make Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes up bubbly and golden on top no matter what else is competing for oven space on the big day.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, just until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Drain them immediately and set aside. (If using frozen beans, you can skip this step for a time-saving shortcut!)
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a roomy skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic for another minute—your kitchen will smell fantastic right about now.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms
Add the sliced button mushrooms to your skillet, stirring occasionally. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become deliciously browned. Patience here yields the best flavor!
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat everything—this prevents lumps and helps the sauce set up. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly, followed by the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, thickening into a luscious base.
Step 6: Combine Green Beans and Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the blanched green beans and shredded cheddar cheese if you’re opting for cheesy goodness. Stir until every bean is smothered in that rich, creamy sauce.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Shower the top with crispy fried onions, ensuring full coverage for that extra bit of drama and crunch. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and gorgeously golden brown.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the Creamy Green Bean Casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This short wait helps the flavors settle and makes slicing and serving easier. Gather everyone close and dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Garnishes
Just before serving, a sprinkle of extra crispy onions pairs perfectly with a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or chives. This not only ups the crunch but adds a pop of green and a touch of brightness to your Creamy Green Bean Casserole.
Side Dishes
This dish plays well with all your favorites: roasted turkey, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, or herby stuffing. The creamy texture and savory punch of this casserole complement proteins and starches alike, making it a staple on any holiday or Sunday lunch table.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Creamy Green Bean Casserole individually by spooning it into ramekins before the final bake—each guest gets their own mini casserole. Or, for potlucks, transport in a slow cooker and top with fried onions just before serving to keep things toasty and crisp.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you), let the casserole cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavors deepen and meld beautifully as it sits.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole but hold off on adding the crispy onion topping. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add fresh fried onions, and bake as directed. Your Creamy Green Bean Casserole will taste just like freshly made.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. For single servings, a quick blast in the microwave works too—just sprinkle a handful of fresh fried onions on top afterward for crunch.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, canned green beans can work in a pinch. Just drain them well and skip the blanching step. The texture will be a bit softer, but the flavors of the creamy casserole still shine.
What’s the secret to keeping fried onions crunchy?
The key is to add them right before baking and not to stir them into the sauce. If reheating leftovers, sprinkle with an extra handful of onions after warming to restore crispness.
How can I make Creamy Green Bean Casserole vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and check that your fried onions are vegetarian-friendly. The casserole’s flavor remains just as comforting and rich.
Can I prep Creamy Green Bean Casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without the onion topping) up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add onions just before baking, and you’ll have more time to enjoy your guests.
Is it possible to make this dairy free?
Yes! Use your favorite non-dairy butter and cream alternatives. There are also some delicious vegan cheeses that work well if you’d like to keep the cheesy touch—you’ll still get a decadently creamy, satisfying side.
Final Thoughts
Your table is about to become everyone’s favorite gathering spot when you serve up Creamy Green Bean Casserole. No matter the season, it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and delight with every spoonful. Give it a try, make it your own, and get ready for rave reviews!
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Creamy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy green bean casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and a crispy onion topping, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Fresh Green Beans:
1 pound trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces or frozen green beans
Unsalted Butter:
2 tablespoons
Onion:
1 small, finely chopped
Garlic:
2 cloves, minced
Button Mushrooms:
8 ounces, sliced
All-Purpose Flour:
2 tablespoons
Chicken Broth:
1 cup
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Ground Nutmeg (optional):
1/4 teaspoon
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional):
1 cup
Crispy Fried Onions:
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Green Beans: Boil green beans until just tender, then drain.
- Sauté Ingredients: Cook onion, garlic, and mushrooms until browned.
- Thicken Sauce: Add flour, broth, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Bake: Stir in green beans and cheese. Transfer to baking dish, top with onions, and bake until golden.
Notes
- Fresh green beans give the best texture, but frozen work too — just skip blanching.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the mushroom mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
