Name: Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans: 1 1/2 pounds trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted Onion: 1/2 cup finely chopped Garlic: 2 cloves minced Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose Milk: 1 1/2 cups Broth: 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable Salt: 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded (optional) Crispy Fried Onions: 1 1/2 cups

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Nothing quite says comfort like a bubbling dish of Green Bean Casserole—it’s a celebration of tender green beans, creamy sauce, and that irresistible blanket of crispy fried onions on top. This classic holiday side dish truly shines with layers of flavor and texture, providing the perfect balance of savory goodness and a little indulgent crunch. Whether you’re revisiting family traditions or starting new ones, Green Bean Casserole brings everyone to the table with its warm, nostalgic appeal and easy, crowd-pleasing preparation.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Green Bean Casserole is how it transforms a handful of essential ingredients into something truly special. Every item plays a leading role, contributing to the dish’s creamy base, pop of color, and signature crunch that no one can resist.

Green beans: Fresh green beans offer a beautiful bite, but canned green beans make this dish even quicker without sacrificing homestyle flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, velvety base for the sauce while keeping the flavors balanced and not too salty.
Onion: Cooking onions until soft builds sweet, aromatic depth right from the start.
Garlic: Just a touch of garlic brings a gentle warmth and deliciously savory undertone.
All-purpose flour: A little flour thickens the sauce, making it lush and creamy.
Milk: Milk creates that beloved, silky casserole texture—use whatever kind you have on hand.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Broth infuses the sauce with an irresistible hearty note—choose vegetable to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Salt: Just enough to make every flavor shine.
Black pepper: Brings a mild, pleasant heat that complements the creaminess.
Ground nutmeg (optional): A touch of nutmeg can highlight the savory flavors with a subtle, aromatic twist.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts in for a rich, cheesy boost—absolutely irresistible if you’re feeling extra decadent.
Crispy fried onions: The pièce de résistance! These crisp, golden onions provide that craveable topping everyone goes for first.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

If you’re starting with fresh beans, blanch them in boiling water for about 4 to 5 minutes—it keeps them bright green and perfectly tender. Then, quickly rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and lock in their vibrant color. Canned beans? Just drain them well and you’re already midway there!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt that glorious butter. Toss in the onions and let them cook until wonderfully soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and let its aroma bloom for another 30 seconds—it’s a tiny step that makes a huge difference in flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour right over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly for a minute to form a smooth, thick paste. Then, slowly whisk in the milk and broth, pouring in a little at a time to avoid lumps. Keep stirring for 5 minutes until the sauce bubbles and thickens to perfection. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you want an extra hint of warmth.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Add the green beans (and cheddar cheese if you’re using it) into the creamy mixture, turning gently to make sure every piece is luxuriously coated. There’s something so satisfying about seeing those vibrant beans enveloped in a silky, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions over the top for a preview of that golden crunch. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes to let the casserole become bubbly and fragrant.

Step 6: Finish with a Crispy Topping

Pull the casserole from the oven, top with the remaining fried onions, and pop it back in for another 5 minutes. This final bake turns the topping beautifully brown and gives the whole dish irresistible aroma. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

For a splash of color and a little freshness, sprinkle the finished casserole with chopped fresh parsley or a few grinds of black pepper. If you really want to take things up a notch, add a little lemon zest right before serving—it brightens the whole dish without overwhelming those comforting flavors.

Side Dishes

Green Bean Casserole feels right at home surrounded by classic comfort fare—try it with roast turkey or chicken, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a festive vibe. For an everyday meal, it pairs beautifully with meatloaf, baked salmon, or even a cozy mac and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

There are so many ways to make this casserole feel special! Try baking in individual ramekins for elegant single servings. Or, serve it family-style in a rustic cast-iron skillet for a charming, country-inspired presentation. For potlucks, bring it in a vintage casserole dish and watch everyone reach for seconds—it’s always a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Green Bean Casserole (lucky you!), simply cover the dish well or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, just waiting for you to savor another helping.

Freezing

Green Bean Casserole freezes surprisingly well. Just cool it completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, hold off on adding the fried onions until you’re ready to bake or reheat—it keeps them crisp and irresistible.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the casserole (uncovered) at 350°F until warmed through—about 20 to 25 minutes. Add more crispy onions on top before reheating to keep that classic crunch. Individual servings can be reheated in the microwave for ultimate weeknight convenience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for Green Bean Casserole?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a wonderful, fuss-free option. Just thaw and drain before using, and proceed with the recipe as written for that fresh, crisp-tender bite.

What can I substitute for crispy fried onions?

Out of crispy fried onions? Try crushed buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even homemade sautéed shallots for a different but equally tasty topping.

Is there a dairy-free version of Green Bean Casserole?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk, and skip or use a dairy-free cheese option. Just make sure your crispy onion topping is also dairy-free.

Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?

One of the best things about Green Bean Casserole is that it loves being made ahead. Assemble everything except the final layer of fried onions, refrigerate, then add the topping and bake when ready to serve.

How do I keep my casserole from getting watery?

Be sure to drain green beans very well and cook your sauce until thickened. If you’re using frozen beans, pat them dry after thawing. This helps ensure your casserole stays perfectly creamy and never soggy.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Green Bean Casserole shows up at so many gatherings—it’s easy, comforting, and brings everyone together around the table. Give this recipe a try and discover just how simple and satisfying a homemade classic can truly be. Your next celebration might just have a new shining star!

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A classic and creamy Green Bean Casserole that is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side dish. This recipe features tender green beans in a flavorful sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Fresh Green Beans:

1 1/2 pounds trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Butter:

2 tablespoons unsalted

Onion:

1/2 cup finely chopped

Garlic:

2 cloves minced

Flour:

1/4 cup all-purpose

Milk:

1 1/2 cups

Broth:

1/2 cup chicken or vegetable

Salt:

1/2 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/4 teaspoon

Ground Nutmeg:

1/4 teaspoon (optional)

Cheddar Cheese:

1 cup shredded (optional)

Crispy Fried Onions:

1 1/2 cups

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the green beans: Blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, cook onion in butter until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over onions, then gradually whisk in milk and broth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Combine and bake: Stir in green beans and cheese, if using. Transfer to baking dish, top with half the fried onions, bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining onions and bake for another 5 minutes.