Print

Easy Creamy Green Bean Casserole Recipe – Best Homemade

homemade green bean casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy homemade green bean casserole features a silky from-scratch mushroom sauce and a double-crunch topping that stays crispy even the next day. It’s the perfect comfort food side dish for holidays, family dinners, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds (680g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick or 56g) unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces (225g) cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion (about 150g), diced finely
  • 3 garlic cloves (about 12g), minced
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1½ cups (about 85g) French fried onions
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for exactly 3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add sliced mushrooms and cook 6-8 minutes until liquid evaporates and mushrooms begin to brown.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture and stir to coat. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  7. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously. Cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  8. Add heavy cream and broth, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  9. Stir in dried thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer 5-7 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  10. Add blanched green beans to the skillet and stir gently to coat.
  11. Pour green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  12. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir until moistened.
  13. Sprinkle French fried onions over the casserole, then top with buttered breadcrumb mixture.
  14. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil for last 5 minutes.
  15. Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip blanching the green beans—it ensures they are tender-crisp and prevents a watery casserole. Season the sauce generously; the beans and topping are neutral. Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the sauce to set. For best crunch, make the topping fresh and avoid covering the casserole while storing. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, creamy green bean casserole, homemade green bean casserole, Thanksgiving side dish, comfort food, holiday recipe

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/easy-creamy-green-bean-casserole-recipe-best-homemade/