How do I make homemade green bean casserole from scratch?

To make homemade green bean casserole, start by blanching fresh green beans for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain. Prepare a creamy mushroom sauce by sautéing sliced mushrooms and onions, then stirring in flour, milk, and seasonings until thickened. Combine the green beans and sauce in a baking dish, top with crispy fried onions, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Using fresh ingredients rather than canned preserves texture and flavor, resulting in a richer casserole.

Can I prepare green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare green bean casserole a day in advance. Assemble the casserole with the cooked green beans and sauce, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add the crispy fried onions just before baking to keep them crunchy. When ready, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until heated through. This prep method saves time on the day of serving and maintains the casserole’s flavor and texture.

What are some good substitutions for fried onions in green bean casserole?

If you want an alternative to traditional fried onions, you can use toasted breadcrumbs for crunch, crushed crispy shallots, or even roasted nuts like slivered almonds. Some also substitute with homemade baked onion chips or Parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile. These options can provide texture and flavor while catering to dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

How can I make green bean casserole healthier without sacrificing taste?

To create a healthier green bean casserole, use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned to reduce sodium. Swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative and use olive oil instead of butter for the mushroom sauce. Opt for homemade or low-sodium broth and reduce the amount of added salt. Incorporating these changes keeps the dish lighter while retaining a savory, creamy taste.

How long does homemade green bean casserole keep in the fridge?

Homemade green bean casserole can be stored safely in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Avoid adding fried onions before refrigeration to keep them crisp; add them fresh when serving for best texture.

Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe With Crispy Onion Topping

Name: Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 pound fresh green beans, ends snapped off; – 8 tablespoons salted butter, divided; – 1 large onion, chopped; – 8 ounces sliced mushrooms; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 2 1/2 cups half n half; – 1 teaspoon salt; – 1 teaspoon pepper; – 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch; – 2 cups fried onions; – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Description

🍽️ This Homemade Green Bean Casserole offers a rich, creamy flavor using fresh ingredients for a classic holiday side.
🧅 The crispy onion topping adds a satisfying crunch, balancing the smooth sauce and tender green beans.

Ingredients

– 1 pound fresh green beans, ends snapped off

– 8 tablespoons salted butter, divided

– 1 large onion, chopped

– 8 ounces sliced mushrooms

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 1/2 cups half n half

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon pepper

– 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch

– 2 cups fried onions

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1-In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter and cook chopped onion until caramelized, about 7-8 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 4 more minutes, then stir in garlic and transfer to a bowl.

2-Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in the skillet, add flour or cornstarch, and whisk for 2 minutes. Stir in half n half, salt, and pepper, cooking until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.

3-Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and boil green beans for 6-7 minutes; drain and optionally cool in an ice bath.

4-Mix the onion-mushroom mixture into the cream sauce, stir in green beans, and sprinkle with optional Parmesan cheese.

5-Pour into a 9×9 inch baking dish and bake for 25 minutes until bubbly, then top with fried onions and bake for 5 more minutes.

Notes

🌿 Pre-boil fresh green beans to maintain crisp texture; cut in half for bite-sized pieces.
❄️ Frozen or canned green beans can be used; canned beans do not need pre-cooking.
🧈 Use half n half for a thick, creamy sauce and crispy fried onions for texture contrast.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Holiday, Casserole
Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: green bean casserole, homemade casserole, crispy onion topping, creamy green beans