If you’re craving a dish that sings comfort with every bite, the Classic Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Onions Recipe is your next must-make. This timeless favorite combines tender green beans, a rich mushroom sauce, and that irresistible crunch of crispy onions on top, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that warms both heart and home. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or elevating your weeknight dinner, this casserole brings cozy elegance in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Classic Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Onions Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Every component works together to create a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy textures that define this beloved dish.
- 2 pounds fresh green beans: Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces for the perfect bite-sized texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a luscious richness to the mushroom sauce.
- 1 medium yellow onion: Finely chopped to create a natural sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced, for that essential aromatic kick.
- 8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms: Sliced, they lend earthiness and umami to the sauce.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 cups half & half: Delivers a creamy consistency that’s lighter than heavy cream but still indulgent.
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth: A savory base that enhances the sauce and keeps it from being too rich.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds depth and a subtle savory note that elevates the casserole.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and spice.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A surprising hint of warmth that adds complexity to the sauce.
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions: The crowning glory that brings irresistible crunch and golden color.
How to Make Classic Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your trimmed green beans and cook them just 2 to 3 minutes until they turn bright green and start to soften slightly. To keep them crisp-tender and stop the cooking process, immediately dunk them into a bowl filled with ice water. This step locks in their beautiful color and delicious crunch before draining them and setting aside.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, filling your kitchen with cozy warmth. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Stir in the garlic and sliced mushrooms, letting them cook for 5 to 7 minutes as the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown beautifully. This slow cooking deepens the flavor, setting a savory foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and gently stir for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste — this is key for a smooth sauce. Pour in the broth and half & half gradually, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the soy sauce, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Let this all simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens into a creamy, velvety texture that clings to every green bean.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and combine the blanched green beans, rich mushroom sauce, and half a cup of crispy fried onions right inside the dish. Mix gently until all the green beans are coated in that luscious sauce. Spread everything into an even layer for an even bake.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Onion Topping
Generously sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions over the top of your casserole. This golden crunchy layer will bake to perfection, creating the dish’s signature delightful contrast in texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling up around the edges and the crispy onions on top have turned a beautiful golden brown. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld wonderfully.
How to Serve Classic Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Onions Recipe
Garnishes
While the crispy onions provide a fabulous crunch, consider garnishing the casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves. This adds a fresh, vibrant pop of green that brightens the rich dish and adds an inviting aroma.
Side Dishes
This Classic Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Onions Recipe pairs beautifully with comforting roasted turkey, juicy ham, or even a simple grilled chicken breast. For a vegetarian meal, add a hearty grain like wild rice or quinoa to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with mini bundles of crispy onions and a sprig of herbs. Alternatively, add toasted almond slices for an extra texture or fold in roasted garlic for enhanced savoriness. Presentation can turn this classic into the star of your holiday table or casual dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining that creamy texture and mushroom flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it’s cooked. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole but do not add the crispy onions on top yet. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add crispy onions before baking. Leftover cooked casserole also freezes well; just reheat gently for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and crispy onions regain some of their crunch. Microwaving works in a pinch but will soften the topping, so use the oven when you can for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans work well if fresh are not available. Just thaw and drain them before using. Keep in mind they may be softer, but the creamy sauce and crispy onions will still shine through wonderfully.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Classic Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Onions Recipe?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure your crispy fried onions have no animal-based ingredients. This swap keeps the dish rich and satisfying while being vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make the crispy onions extra crunchy?
To boost the crunch, you can toast your fried onions in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before sprinkling them on top. This brings out amazing flavor and crispiness that elevates the topping even more.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Replace butter with vegan margarine or oil, use plant-based milk in place of half & half (like cashew or oat milk), and vegetable broth. Use vegan crispy onions or make your own by frying thinly sliced onions in oil.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing texture?
The oven is your best friend for reheating as it helps maintain the crispy onion topping. Cover the casserole loosely with foil for the first part of reheating to avoid drying out, then remove the foil near the end to re-crisp the topping.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Onions Recipe is a heartwarming dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for sharing around the table with loved ones, offering a comforting mix of creamy sauce, tender beans, and that unforgettable crispy top. Dive in, make it your own, and savor every bite of this cherished classic.
Print
Classic Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole combines tender blanched green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onion topping, baked to golden perfection. A comforting side dish perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Green Beans and Topping
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
- Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
- Make Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and half & half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the soy sauce, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Casserole: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine the blanched green beans, mushroom sauce, and half a cup of the crispy fried onions. Mix everything together until the green beans are evenly coated with the sauce, and spread into an even layer.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the onions on top are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, crunchy green bean casserole!
Notes
- Blanching the green beans helps retain their bright color and crisp texture.
- Use fresh green beans for best flavor; frozen could be used but may alter texture.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- The crispy fried onions can typically be found in the produce or snack aisle and are key to the classic topping.
- Make sure to stir the sauce constantly when adding broth and half & half to prevent lumps.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
