Save A nostalgic, creamy side dish featuring tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy fried onions—a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.
This casserole always brings back memories of holiday dinners at my grandmother's house, where the aroma of mushrooms and crispy onions filled the kitchen. Everyone looked forward to scooping a big portion onto their plates and reminiscing about family traditions.
Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans: 900 g (2 lb), trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces (or substitute with 900 g frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained)
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp
- Cremini or Button Mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz), sliced
- Yellow Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp
- Whole Milk: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Heavy Cream: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black Pepper: ½ tsp
- Ground Nutmeg (optional): ½ tsp
- Crispy Fried Onions: 150 g (1½ cups) (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook Green Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Combine with Green Beans:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove from oven, top with remaining onions, and bake for 5-7 minutes more until golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Last Thanksgiving, my niece helped sprinkle the crispy onions—she tried sneaking extra on top, making us all laugh. Sharing this dish together always brings a sense of warmth and connection.
Make Ahead Tips
You can assemble the casserole up to step 6 a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and add the fried onions just before baking for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This side works beautifully with roast turkey, grilled chicken, or even as a vegetarian entree alongside crusty bread and salad.
Customization Ideas
Try adding 50 g of grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce for extra flavor, or a pinch of cayenne for a gentle kick.
Save This classic green bean casserole is the ultimate comfort food for any holiday gathering. Its creamy sauce and crispy topping make every bite memorable.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I make this dish ahead?
Assemble through step 6, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then top with onions and bake before serving for optimal texture.
- → Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen cut green beans before cooking. They work well and save prep time.
- → What cheese works best for extra flavor?
Sharp cheddar or Gruyère blends nicely into the sauce, creating a richer, deeper taste experience.
- → How do I achieve crispy onions?
Use store-bought or homemade fried onions, bake until golden for the perfect crisp topping on your casserole.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Check fried onion and broth labels for added animal products.
- → What can I serve this with?
This side pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, chicken, or other classic holiday mains for a balanced meal.