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 green bean casserole was always on my family&s holiday table. I remember helping my grandmother trim the beans and watching the onions turn golden in the oven. It&s a dish that brings everyone together, whether for Thanksgiving or a regular Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans: 900 g (2 lb), trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces (or 900 g frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained)
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp
- Cremini or Button Mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz), sliced
- Yellow Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp
- Whole Milk: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Heavy Cream: 120 ml (half cup)
- Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: 120 ml (half cup)
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black Pepper: half tsp
- Ground Nutmeg (optional): half tsp
- Crispy Fried Onions: 150 g (1.5 cups), store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook Green Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Make Mushroom Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Combine Beans and Sauce:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Transfer and Top:
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove from oven, top with remaining onions, and bake for 5-7 minutes more until golden and crisp.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save One year, the kids insisted on adding extra crispy onions, and it turned out even tastier. Now, we make it together every Thanksgiving, with everyone sprinkling their own onion layer before baking.
Make Ahead Tips
Assemble the casserole through step six, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Top with onions just before baking for optimal texture.
Add Cheese for Depth
For a richer flavor, stir 50 g of grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère into the sauce before combining with the beans.
Serving Suggestions
This side pairs perfectly with roast turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian mains for a complete festive meal.
Save This old-school casserole always disappears quickly at the table. Its comforting flavors and easy prep make it a side you&ll come back to every holiday.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What type of green beans work best?
Fresh trimmed green beans are ideal, but frozen, thawed, and drained beans work well as a convenient substitute.
- → Can I use different mushrooms?
Yes, cremini or button mushrooms are recommended for a mild, savory flavor, but other varieties can be used depending on preference.
- → How do you achieve the crispy topping?
Crispy fried onions, either store-bought or homemade, are layered on top and baked to golden perfection for a crunchy finish.
- → Is there a way to prepare this ahead of time?
The casserole can be assembled through step 6 and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add onions and bake just before serving.
- → What flavors complement this dish well?
Adding sharp cheddar or Gruyère enriches the sauce, while it pairs beautifully with roast poultry for a complete meal.