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
Scale
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.
