Introduction
Green bean casserole is a cherished comfort dish, renowned for its creamy texture and crispy topping, making it a staple at holiday gatherings and family dinners. This green bean casserole recipe combines tender green beans, rich mushroom sauce, and crunchy fried onions for a crowd-pleasing side that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy meal, it’s easy to prepare and adaptable to various tastes. With its warm, savory flavors, this dish brings a touch of tradition and warmth to any table.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups fried onions (e.g., French’s)
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness
Step-by-Step Process
- Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms; sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Season: Stir in soy sauce, salt, pepper, and optional cheddar cheese until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Combine: Add blanched green beans to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Top the casserole with fried onions. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.
Tips for a Better Green Bean Casserole
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture
- Blanch beans briefly to retain vibrant color
- Cook the roux until golden to avoid a raw flour taste
- Stir the sauce constantly to prevent lumps
- Add fried onions just before baking to stay crispy
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning before combining
- Use a shallow dish for even baking
- Prep components ahead of time to save time
Variations and Customization
- Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Add ¼ cup crumbled bacon to the sauce
- Spicy Twist: Mix in ½ tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes
- Cheesy Casserole: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère
- Mushroom-Free: Omit mushrooms and use ½ cup cream cheese
- Low-Fat Option: Use skim milk and reduce cream
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and fried onions
- Almond Crunch: Top with ½ cup slivered almonds instead of onions
- Herb-Infused: Add 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze unbaked casserole for 2 months; thaw before baking
- Serve with roasted turkey, ham, or grilled chicken
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes
- Use leftovers in a breakfast casserole with eggs
- Keep chilled for potlucks to maintain freshness
- Garnish with extra fried onions for crunch
- Pair with a light white wine or sparkling cider
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional information is approximate, based on 8 servings (about ¾ cup per serving):
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 460mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 20% of Daily Value
- Iron: 8% of Daily Value
Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and optional ingredients like cheese. Use a nutritional calculator for precise measurements. This green bean casserole is moderate in calories but higher in fat due to cream and fried onions; the low-fat variation can reduce fat content. The green beans provide fiber and vitamins, making it a balanced side dish.
Conclusion
This green bean casserole recipe delivers a creamy, crunchy side that’s perfect for holidays or everyday comfort. Its rich mushroom sauce and vibrant green beans create a harmonious dish that’s both traditional and versatile. Easy to prepare and adaptable to various preferences, it’s a go-to for any gathering. With its nostalgic appeal and crowd-pleasing flavors, this casserole is sure to become a cherished part of your meal repertoire.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe: Creamy Holiday Classic
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups fried onions
- ½ cup Optional: shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Blanch green beans for 5 minutes; cool in ice bath
- Sauté onion, mushrooms, and garlic in butter
- Stir in flour; whisk in milk and cream until thick
- Add soy sauce, salt, pepper, and optional cheese
- Mix in green beans; transfer to a baking dish
- Top with fried onions; bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes
Notes
- Use fresh beans for the best texture
- Add onions before baking for crunch
- Store in fridge for 4 days or freeze unbaked for 2 months
- Serve with turkey or ham