If there’s a dish that feels right at home on a holiday table or any comfort-food gathering, it’s Homemade Green Bean Casserole. This beloved classic gets a beautiful refresh with crisp-tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all crowned by a heap of crispy fried onions. One bite and you’ll be whisked back to family dinners, laughing around the table and reaching for seconds. Why rely on canned soup when you can make such a gorgeous, flavorful casserole from scratch?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather just a handful of straightforward ingredients and you’re halfway to making a Homemade Green Bean Casserole that’s bursting with flavor and color. Each component brings something special to the table, so don’t skip the fresh touch!
- Fresh green beans: Snappy texture and vibrant color make these the real star—skip the cans for best results!
- Butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps develop the base of flavor in your sauce.
- Onion: Brings a savory sweetness and depth that’s absolutely essential.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, but they infuse the whole dish with mouthwatering aroma.
- Cremini or button mushrooms: Their earthiness gives body and a satisfying umami punch.
- All-purpose flour: The thickener for your luscious, creamy sauce.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Choose your favorite—each version adds delicious flavor.
- Whole milk: Creamy, but not heavy; keeps the sauce velvety smooth.
- Salt, black pepper & paprika: It’s the trifecta for savory, gently spiced balance.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): A layer of extra richness and comfort, totally optional but highly recommended!
- Crispy fried onions: The iconic, irresistible crunchy topping—the difference-maker between good and unforgettable.
How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Blanch the Green Beans
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and getting your green beans ready for greatness. Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the trimmed and cut green beans. Let them cook for 3–4 minutes—just enough to get tender but still snappy and bright green. Drain immediately and set aside to stop the cooking. This quick blanching keeps them vivid and gives your Homemade Green Bean Casserole that unbeatable fresh flair.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, just until it’s soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, letting everything mingle for 5–6 minutes. The mushrooms will release their moisture, shrink, and get beautifully golden. Take your time here—the flavor foundation makes all the difference!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and stir constantly for a minute to cook out any raw flavor. Gradually whisk in the broth, followed by the milk. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce thickens and clings to your spoon—creamy, dreamy, and ready for more. At this point, add salt, pepper, and paprika, then stir in the cheddar cheese if you’re using it. The sauce should look velvety and taste irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Add the blanched green beans and half the crispy fried onions right into the mushroom sauce. Stir everything so the beans are well coated and onions get distributed for a subtle crunch inside the casserole. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it all with the remaining fried onions in a generous, joyful sprinkle.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is bubbling and gloriously golden. The aroma is going to bring everyone into the kitchen, so be ready! Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—it’ll help the flavors settle and make for easier scooping.
How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Garnishes
The final flourish is what takes a great dish to outstanding. Once your Homemade Green Bean Casserole is out of the oven, consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for color and a pop of freshness. Even a dusting of smoked paprika on top adds visual flair and a whisper of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs effortlessly with classic mains like roast turkey, ham, or baked chicken. For a vegetarian feast, offer it alongside lentil loaf or stuffed squash. Don’t forget fluffy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a basket of warm rolls for a full-on comfort food spread!
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive? Serve individual portions of Homemade Green Bean Casserole in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a personal touch. Or, use a vintage-style casserole dish for a nostalgic feel. For potlucks, transfer it to a slow cooker to keep it warm for hours—everyone will be back for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Simply scoop the remaining casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll stay delicious for up to four days. You can even enjoy leftovers cold for a snack, but most folks prefer it reheated for that cozy, just-baked taste.
Freezing
Homemade Green Bean Casserole freezes surprisingly well. Let the casserole cool completely, wrap it tightly (or use a freezer-safe container), and store for up to two months. For best results, freeze before baking and add the fried onions topping just before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your casserole (thawed if frozen) in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly—about 20 minutes for a small portion, up to 35 for a full dish. Add a little extra crispy onions on top during the last few minutes if you like them extra crunchy!
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and pat them dry before adding. They won’t be quite as crisp or vibrant as fresh, but Homemade Green Bean Casserole will still be delicious and totally satisfying.
Do I have to add cheese to the casserole?
Not at all! The cheese is entirely optional and adds a layer of creaminess and depth but feel free to leave it out if you prefer a more classic flavor or need a dairy-free option.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance (hold off on the final crispy onion topping until just before baking). Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for fried onions on top?
Homemade crispy shallots are a wonderful, flavorful alternative to store-bought fried onions. You can also use toasted panko breadcrumbs tossed with a little butter for a lighter crunch.
Is Homemade Green Bean Casserole vegetarian?
This recipe is vegetarian if you use vegetable broth and skip the cheese (or use a vegetarian-friendly cheese). It’s a hit at every table, whether you’re feeding vegetarians or not!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Homemade Green Bean Casserole from scratch, prepare for a revelation! It’s uncomplicated, comforting, and filled with crave-worthy flavor. This dish has earned its place as a holiday staple, but honestly, don’t be surprised if your family asks for it year-round. Give it a go and savor every creamy, crispy, joy-inducing bite!
Print
Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday side dish made with fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s a comforting and delicious addition to any festive meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Blanch green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch green beans for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp; drain and set aside.
- Sauté onion and mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onion for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook for 5–6 minutes until mushrooms release their liquid and begin to brown.
- Make sauce: Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in broth and milk; bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and cheddar cheese if using.
- Combine and bake: Add green beans and half of the fried onions to the sauce; stir to coat evenly. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, top with remaining fried onions, and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- For a fresher twist, top with homemade crispy shallots instead of store-bought fried onions.
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
