Homemade green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, a comforting classic that graces tables across the country. But forget the canned soup and soggy beans of yesteryear. We’re bringing you a truly homemade green bean casserole, made with love and the freshest ingredients, just like Nonna used to make! This recipe will elevate your holiday meal with its creamy mushroom sauce, crisp green beans, and crunchy topping.
Homemade Green Bean Casserole: The BEST Easy Recipe!
A Thanksgiving classic made completely from scratch with fresh green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition:
Calories: 220
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 15g
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Blanch green beans: boil for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Melt butter in skillet, add onion and cook until softened. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add blanched green beans and stir to coat. Pour mixture into prepared dish.
- Sprinkle French fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbly.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- If freezing, do so before baking and thaw overnight.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added appeal.
Why You Will Love This homemade green bean casserole Recipe
Oh, cara! This homemade green bean casserole is a game changer. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and flavor, transporting you back to cozy family gatherings and delicious holiday feasts. We have been making this from scratch green bean casserole for years, perfecting it each time. It tastes amazing and its easy, with the aroma filling the whole kitchen. Plus, unlike some versions, this recipe uses fresh green beans, so it’s bursting with freshness and nutrients.
Ingredients Needed for This homemade green bean casserole Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, dreamy dish:
- For the Green Bean Casserole:
* 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 1/4 cup all purpose flour
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Crispy Topping:
* 1 1/2 cups French fried onions
How to Make This homemade green bean casserole Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a homemade green bean casserole your family will adore:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 2. Blanch the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside. Using fresh green beans makes a big difference!
- 3. Make the mushroom sauce recipe. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and are browned, about 8 10 minutes.
- 4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
- 5. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Creaminess is key to a classic Thanksgiving side dish.
- 6. Add the blanched green beans to the mushroom sauce and stir to coat. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- 7. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top.
- 8. Bake for 20 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
How to Serve This homemade green bean casserole Recipe
This homemade green bean casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. It pairs perfectly with roast turkey, ham, or beef. We love to have it alongside mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You can also consider serving it with our Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks 2 for a complete meal.
How to Store This homemade green bean casserole Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftover homemade green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the recipe instructions.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Tips to Make This homemade green bean casserole Recipe
- Ingredient swaps: If you don’t have fresh green beans, you can use frozen green beans, but cook them until fully heated through before adding.
- Success tips: Avoid overcooking the green beans during blanching. They should still have a slight crispness to them.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the mushrooms. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of brown.
- Pro tips for best results: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the mushroom sauce while it simmers.
Helpful Notes for This homemade green bean casserole Recipe
For the chicken broth, you can use store bought or homemade. Making your own broth adds richness, but store bought is perfectly acceptable. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to create a thicker effect. Consider pairing this with our Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole for a party.
Variation of This homemade green bean casserole Recipe
- Seasonal twists: For a fall twist, add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon to the mushroom sauce.
- Optional versions: Top with crumbled bacon or toasted almonds for added crunch and flavor. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom sauce.
- Creative modifications: Use sweet potato fries instead of French fried onions for a subtly sweet and savory twist.
FAQs About This homemade green bean casserole Recipe
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble everything except the French fried onions and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the onions just before baking.
Q: Can I use canned green beans?
A: While we highly recommend using fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture, in a pinch, you can use canned green beans. Drain them well and reduce the blanching time significantly.
Q: What can I substitute for the French fried onions?
A: If you don’t have French fried onions, you can use crushed potato chips, toasted breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried shallots.
This Thanksgiving, surprise your family with a homemade green bean casserole that’s truly from the heart. It’s a simple but delicious dish that embodies warmth, tradition, and the love of family. We hope this recipe brings a little bit of Nonna’s kitchen to your table. We encourage you to try this from scratch green bean casserole recipe and let us know what you think. Follow us on Pinterest for more heartwarming recipes from Nonna’s Dishes! Feel free to check out our Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks for another easy dish.
What is the best way to prepare green beans for green bean casserole?
For the best texture and flavor, blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for a few minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Can I make homemade green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients but wait to add the topping until just before baking to prevent it from getting soggy. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of fried onions on green bean casserole?
If you’re looking for a substitute, try toasted breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, crispy fried shallots, or even crushed potato chips for added flavor and texture.
How do I prevent my green bean casserole from being watery?
Ensure your green beans are well-drained after blanching. Also, avoid using too much cream or mushroom soup. Using a thickener like cornstarch or flour in the mushroom sauce can also help maintain the desired consistency.
Can I freeze homemade green bean casserole?
Freezing the casserole is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate and the texture of the green beans can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh for the best quality.
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