Homemade Magic: Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe

Crafting a delightful green bean casserole from scratch brings comfort and joy to any meal.

Crisp vegetables and creamy sauce combine in a classic dish that feels like a warm hug.

Our recipe transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Fresh green beans provide a vibrant crunch against a rich, velvety background.

Homemade fried onions add a golden, irresistible texture that makes everyone smile.

Each bite connects you to cherished memories of family gatherings.

You’ll find this version far surpasses any store-bought alternative, promising a truly delectable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Green Bean Casserole from Scratch So Irresistible

• Craft from Scratch: Elevate your green bean game with a homemade casserole that beats any canned version.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe incredibly flexible.
• Layer with Love: Build complex flavors through careful techniques like blanching beans and browning mushrooms, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet side dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners where everyone craves a delicious, creamy vegetable dish that feels special yet approachable.

Everything You’ll Need for Homemade Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh vegetables that provide a tender and crisp base for the casserole.
• Mushrooms: Earthy fungi that add depth and rich flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile of the casserole.

• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and luxurious base for the creamy sauce.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and balanced sauce consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to the crunchy topping.
• Butter: Helps sauté mushrooms and contributes to the rich flavor.

• French Fried Onions, Breadcrumbs: Create a crunchy and golden brown topping for the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the topping ingredients and promotes browning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Dried Thyme: Provides a subtle herbal note to the creamy sauce.

How to Build the Best Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Green Beans

Wash green beans thoroughly and trim off both ends. Slice beans into bite-sized pieces, creating uniform cuts for even cooking.

Step 2: Blanch Green Beans

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Carefully drop green beans into boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green. Quickly transfer beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in their vibrant color.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and wait until it melts and starts to foam. Toss in sliced mushrooms and cook until they turn golden brown and release their moisture.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Sprinkle minced garlic into the mushroom pan and stir for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant oils.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Simmer Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low and continue stirring the sauce. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Combine Green Beans and Sauce

Drain blanched green beans completely. Gently fold beans into the mushroom cream sauce, ensuring each bean is evenly coated.

Step 8: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the green bean and sauce mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9: Create Crunchy Topping

• French fried onions
• Breadcrumbs
• Olive oil
• Grated parmesan cheese

Combine ingredients until they form a crispy, golden mixture.

Step 10: Add Topping

Generously sprinkle the crunchy topping over the green bean casserole, covering the entire surface.

Step 11: Bake Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole begins to bubble around the edges.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious homemade green bean casserole.

Smart Tips for Flawless Green Bean Casserole

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp, bright green beans without blemishes for the best texture and flavor in your casserole.
• Nail the Blanching Technique: Quickly blanch green beans to preserve their vibrant color and maintain a perfect crisp-tender bite.
• Create Depth with Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms until golden brown to develop a rich, concentrated umami flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Master the Creamy Sauce: Whisk and simmer the cream sauce carefully to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency without scorching.
• Perfect the Crispy Topping: Mix french fried onions with breadcrumbs and parmesan for a crunchy, golden-brown topping that adds irresistible texture.

Unique Twists on Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Spicy Southwestern Kick: Add diced jalapeños and replace parmesan with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, bold flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Garden Mix: Incorporate roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and oregano to create a Mediterranean-inspired variation with tangy notes.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Crisp and crumble bacon throughout the casserole and mix bacon bits into the topping for a smoky, rich experience.
• Vegan Harvest Edition: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and top with crushed almonds for a plant-based alternative with deep, nutty undertones.

What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir complements the earthy mushroom flavors and cuts through the creamy sauce, enhancing the casserole's rich profile.
• Serve with Roasted Turkey: The green bean casserole becomes a perfect side dish for roasted turkey, creating a classic thanksgiving combination with complementary textures and savory notes.
• Match with Crisp Chardonnay: An oaked Chardonnay provides buttery undertones that harmonize with the creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping, balancing the dish's complexity.
• Complement with Herb-Roasted Chicken: The casserole's creamy texture and crunchy topping create a delightful contrast with tender, herb-infused roasted chicken, making a satisfying meal pairing.

How to Store Green Bean Casserole So It Stays Delicious

• Store cooled casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and ready for quick reheating.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Keep topping crispy by storing it separately from the green bean mixture, adding it just before reheating to maintain its crunch.

Your Green Bean Casserole Questions—Answered!

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw and pat them dry before blanching to prevent excess water in the casserole.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming watery?

Ensure mushrooms are well-sautéed to remove moisture and drain green beans completely after blanching to keep the sauce thick and creamy.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking to maintain its crispness.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the parmesan cheese with a vegetarian alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor profile.

Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade green bean casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending crisp green beans with creamy mushroom sauce and golden crispy onions. Delightful comfort beckons you to savor each nostalgic, hearty bite of this classic American side dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs fresh green beans
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

Topping:

• 1.5 cups french fried onions
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Trim and slice green beans into bite-sized pieces, preparing them for a tender, crisp texture.
2. Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until bright green, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve vibrant color.
3. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until golden brown and moisture has evaporated, releasing their rich, earthy flavor.
4. Mince garlic and add to mushrooms, cooking for an additional minute to infuse aromatic notes.
5. Create creamy sauce by whisking together heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme in the same pan with mushrooms.
6. Simmer sauce for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
7. Drain blanched green beans thoroughly and fold into the mushroom cream sauce, ensuring even coating.
8. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly for consistent cooking.
9. Combine french fried onions, breadcrumbs, olive oil, and parmesan cheese to create a crunchy, flavorful topping.
10. Sprinkle topping mixture generously over green bean casserole.
11. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbling.
12. Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and sauce set.

Notes

• Blanch green beans precisely to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking which leads to mushy vegetables.
• Select fresh, high-quality mushrooms for maximum flavor depth and richness in the cream sauce, preferring cremini or shiitake varieties.
• Customize the topping by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic comfort food.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg