If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table, this Green Bean Casserole is the answer. With crisp-tender green beans, a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden crown of fried onions, it’s no wonder this dish is a beloved classic at gatherings and holiday feasts. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, you’ll find this from-scratch version irresistibly delicious—and surprisingly easy to make.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Green Bean Casserole shines brightest when made with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each component has an essential role, from the earthy mushrooms to the cool crunch of green beans, building a memorable, satisfying dish that’s perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

Unsalted Butter: Lends a subtle richness and deep flavor base for sautéing the veggies.
Cremini Mushrooms: Earthy and robust, these add savory depth and a satisfying bite.
Medium Onion: Sweet when cooked, the onion forms the aromatic backbone of your sauce.
All Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly, giving it the classic creamy consistency—don’t skip the whisking!
Chicken Stock: Adds savory warmth and amplifies the casserole’s cozy notes.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously velvety and rich—use full-fat for the best results.
Green Beans: Fresh, trimmed, and blanched for ideal tenderness and vibrant color.
Fried Onions: Deliver that irresistible crunch and a pop of flavor on top—don’t be shy with these!

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F (191 °C) so it’s ready for baking. Grease a large casserole dish—an oval 2.5 quart works beautifully—to ensure easy serving later on. Getting this step out of the way makes the rest feel like a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Onions

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced cremini mushrooms and diced onion, cooking until everything turns golden and fragrant, about five minutes. This combo releases incredible flavors and forms the foundation of your Green Bean Casserole.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine, letting it soak up the buttery goodness. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, continuing to whisk, then follow with the heavy cream. This ensures a lump-free, silky sauce that’s bound to coat every green bean.

Step 4: Thicken and Season

Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer so it thickens—this usually takes around five minutes. At this point, stir in the blanched green beans and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The beans stay vibrant and get evenly coated with all that savory creaminess.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Transfer the creamy green bean mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Scatter a generous layer of crispy fried onions over the top, ensuring every bite has crunchy texture and toasty flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Bake uncovered for thirty minutes until the casserole bubbles and the onions turn golden. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for ten minutes—this helps everything set perfectly and makes serving much easier (plus, those onions stay extra crisp).

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, try sprinkling on a bit of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving. Not only does this pop of green look lovely, but it adds a fresh, bright flavor to balance the creamy richness. If you love a little kick, a dash of cracked black pepper on top is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Green Bean Casserole pairs like a dream with hearty mains such as roast turkey, glazed ham, or juicy roast chicken. Add classic mashed potatoes, a crisp fall salad, or even simple warm dinner rolls to round out a crowd-pleasing feast—and don’t forget the cranberry sauce for a pop of color!

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your Green Bean Casserole by serving it in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or nestle it alongside other colorful veggies on a platter for a potluck spread. For an extra special touch, bake it in a rustic cast iron dish or bring it to the table straight from the oven so those golden onions steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making it an even tastier second-day treat. To keep the topping crisp, avoid stacking other foods on top.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your casserole, assemble everything except the fried onions, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the crispy onions, and then bake as usual for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350 °F (177 °C) oven for about twenty minutes until heated through. For best results, remove the foil during the last five minutes to re-crisp the fried onions. Individual portions also microwave well—just expect the topping to be less crunchy.

FAQs

Can I make Green Bean Casserole with canned green beans?

You can use canned green beans in a pinch, but the texture will be much softer. For the most vibrant color and perfect bite, fresh green beans blanched until just tender are unbeatable in this dish.

What can I use instead of fried onions on top?

If you want to switch it up, try homemade crispy shallots or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for a golden, crunchy finish. Traditional fried onions remain the crowd favorite, though!

Is there a vegetarian version of Green Bean Casserole?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken stock for a rich vegetable broth, and you’ll have a mouthwatering vegetarian casserole that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything except the fried onion topping and refrigerate it up to a day ahead. Just before baking, add the onions and pop it in the oven, so the topping stays crisp and fresh.

Why is my casserole watery?

Sometimes excess moisture from un-drained beans or under-thickened sauce can lead to a watery result. Make sure to blanch and drain your beans well and simmer the sauce until it’s thick enough to coat a spoon before assembling the casserole.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Green Bean Casserole a try—and make it part of your family’s traditions. There’s something magical about bubbling, creamy veggies under a blanket of crispy onions, and I can’t wait for you to share that moment of comfort and joy with your loved ones!

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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5.1 from 9 reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic and comforting green bean casserole recipe that is perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. Creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions come together in this delicious side dish.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
1 pound (454 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (236 ml) chicken stock
1 cup (236 ml) heavy cream

For the Casserole:

2 pounds (907 g) green beans, trimmed, halved, and blanched
2 cups (112 g) fried onions

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: In a large skillet, melt butter and cook mushrooms and onions until tender, about 5 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Add flour to the skillet, whisk to combine, then slowly add chicken stock and cream. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Bake: Add green beans to the sauce, transfer mixture to the casserole dish, and sprinkle fried onions on top. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can use canned fried onions for convenience, or make your own by crisping thinly sliced onions in oil.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American