Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole features fresh green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. Perfectly baked to golden brown, this comforting side dish is ideal for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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 and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Toppings
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later on.
- 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 turn bright green and are slightly tender. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: 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, cooking for 5-7 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Create Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and half & half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Green Beans and Sauce: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add the blanched green beans, the mushroom sauce, and half a cup of the crispy fried onions. Mix everything directly in the dish until the green beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Top with Fried Onions: Spread the casserole mixture into an even layer and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top for a crunchy finish.
- 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.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Enjoy your creamy and crispy green bean casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute half & half with whole milk and heavy cream if desired for a richer sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free if needed.
- Fresh green beans provide the best texture, but you can use frozen green beans if fresh are unavailable—just thaw and drain them before use.
- To make this dish ahead, prepare the casserole up until baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake when ready.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese before baking.
