Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. A beloved holiday side dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups half & half
Pantry
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat the ingredients evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and half & half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the soy sauce, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens.
- Combine Beans and Sauce: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add the blanched green beans, the mushroom sauce, and ½ cup of the crispy fried onions. Mix everything together directly in the dish until the green beans are evenly coated. Spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the onions on top are golden brown. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture in the casserole.
- Using half & half makes the sauce creamy but not too heavy; you can substitute with whole milk for a lighter version or heavy cream for extra richness.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure fried onions are vegetarian-friendly.
- To save time, use pre-cut green beans and pre-sliced mushrooms.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
