Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, blending creamy textures with a satisfying crunch in every bite. Fresh green beans are enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, topped with golden, crispy fried onions that add a delightful contrast. This classic recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. The harmonious flavors of savory and slightly sweet will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Packed with nutrients like vitamin A and fiber, this dish is as wholesome as it is indulgent. The creamy sauce, made with simple ingredients, complements the tender beans, while the crispy topping adds a burst of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it as a side or the star of the meal, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s comfort food that feels both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole
- 1 lb (453 g) fresh green beans (ends trimmed and cut into 2” (5cm) pieces; see note for frozen or canned options)
- ⅓ cup (76 g) salted butter
- ½ cup (70 g) finely chopped onion
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 8 oz (226 g) white-button mushrooms (sliced or chopped into small pieces)
- ⅓ cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (236 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (118 ml) whole milk (can substitute with 2% milk if needed)
- ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups (130 g) French fried onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add green beans and boil for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water. Drain green beans and immediately submerge in the ice bath. Let sit while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the veggies and cook until absorbed, then cook an additional 30 seconds to lightly toast (this builds flavor!).
- While stirring, gradually drizzle in chicken broth, then add milk, cream, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (it should coat the back of a spoon).
- Combine: Drain green beans and add them to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
- Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly into a 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle the top with French fried onions.
- Bake: Transfer to the center rack of the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes (the casserole should be bubbling around the edges).
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken. For a complete holiday meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and warm dinner rolls. It also makes a comforting addition to weeknight dinners with a simple protein like pan-seared salmon or pork chops.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try using cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also experiment with toppings—try crispy breadcrumbs or shredded Parmesan cheese instead of French fried onions for a unique twist.
Save Time: Quick Prep Tips
Short on time? Use pre-trimmed green beans or frozen green beans (thawed and drained) to skip the blanching step. Pre-sliced mushrooms and minced garlic from the store can also cut down on prep work. If you’re making this for a crowd, prepare the sauce and blanch the beans a day ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier topping, add a handful of fresh French fried onions before reheating. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the sauce watery and the topping soggy.
Kitchen Essentials: Equipment Guidance
For this recipe, you’ll need a large pot for blanching, a skillet for the sauce, and a 2-quart baking dish. A slotted spoon or spider strainer is handy for transferring the green beans to the ice bath. If you don’t have an ice bath, simply rinse the beans under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans ends trimmed and beans cut into 2” (5cm) pieces (4 cups) (see note for frozen or canned green beans)
- ⅓ cup salted butter
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 8 oz white-button mushrooms sliced or chopped into small pieces
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup whole milk (see note)
- ½ cup heavy cream (see note)
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cup French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
- Blanch the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add green beans and boil for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water. Drain green beans then immediately submerge in the ice bath. Let sit while you prepare the sauce.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook butter until melted.
- Add onion and cook until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the veggies and cook until absorbed, then cook an additional 30 seconds longer to lightly toast (builds flavor!).
- While stirring, gradually drizzle in chicken broth, then add milk, cream, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce is thickened (should coat the back of a spoon).
- Drain green beans and add to the sauce, stir until beans are covered with sauce.
- Spread evenly into a 2qt baking dish and sprinkle the top with French fried onions.
- Transfer to center rack of 350F (175C) oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes (will likely be bubbling around the edges).