Green Bean Casserole: Easy & Best Holiday Side Dish

Craving Comfort? This Green Bean Casserole is Your Answer!

Picture this: a creamy, savory dish with tender green beans, topped with crispy fried onions. Sounds amazing, right? This Green Bean Casserole recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, making it the perfect addition to any holiday feast or weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s incredibly flavorful, with a rich and savory mushroom cream sauce.
• The combination of tender green beans and crispy fried onions creates the perfect textural contrast.
• It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
• It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal.
• It’s easily customizable with different toppings and variations.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this green bean casserole apart is its emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients and a homemade mushroom cream sauce. We’re not using canned soup here! By taking this extra step, we achieve a richer, more nuanced flavor that simply can’t be matched by its pre-made counterpart. The fresh mushrooms and carefully selected herbs elevate this dish from a basic side to a star of the meal.

Ingredient List

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (6 ounce) can fried onions

Fresh green beans make this casserole much more vibrant and flavorful than frozen or canned alternatives. The use of fresh mushrooms in the sauce adds a depth of earthy flavor you can’t get with canned soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Steam or boil the green beans until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
7. Add thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook until sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Gently stir the cooked green beans into the mushroom sauce.
9. Pour the green bean mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Bake for 20 minutes, then top with the crispy fried onions.
11. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
12. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to kick things up a notch? Here are some great ways to add even more flavor to your green bean casserole:

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Bacon: Add a layer of cooked and crumbled bacon on top for extra salty, smoky flavor.
• Toasted Almonds: Sprinkle toasted almonds over the fried onions for extra crunch.
• Garlic Bread Crumbs: Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the casserole before baking.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the green beans; they should still have a slight crispness before baking.
• Make sure to cook the flour with the butter and mushrooms long enough to eliminate the raw flour taste.
• Use full-fat milk for the richest and creamiest sauce.
• Don’t add the crispy fried onions until the end to prevent them from getting soggy.
• For a more intense mushroom flavor, use a mix of different types of mushrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen green beans? While fresh is best, you can use frozen green beans. Be sure to thaw them and remove excess moisture before cooking.
• Can this casserole be made ahead? Yes! You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the onions and bake just before serving.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Just substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I substitute the milk? Yes, you can use half and half or heavy cream for a richer taste or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk if you need to, though it might alter the consistency slightly.

Variations and Customization Options

Make this green bean casserole your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mushroom cream sauce.
• Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary, or parsley in addition to the thyme and sage.
• Cheesy Goodness: Add a layer of your favorite cheese in the center of the casserole for an extra-melty surprise.
• Low Carb: Substitute the flour with almond flour or tapioca starch. Add thickener with care until sauce is desired texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Green Bean Casserole is the perfect side dish for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it’s also great alongside a roasted chicken, a hearty meatloaf, or even as part of a potluck spread. Serve it warm, and get ready for the compliments to roll in! You can always dress it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Conclusion

This homemade Green Bean Casserole is a delicious and surprisingly easy way to elevate a classic dish. With its creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions, it’s a comforting side that everyone will love. Don’t wait – try it out today and let me know how it turns out! Share your photos, subscribe to our newsletter, and let’s keep cooking together!

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