Green Bean Casserole
This Green Bean Casserole features fresh green beans in a rich, homemade mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch. A delicious twist on the classic, this casserole is perfect as a comforting side dish for holiday meals or weeknight dinners. Easily customizable for dietary preferences, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines nostalgic flavor with a gourmet touch. Make it ahead for easy entertaining, and serve it with your favorite mains for a complete meal everyone will love!
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot – for blanching the green beans
- 1 Large Skillet or Saucepan – to prepare the mushroom sauce
- 1 Mixing Spoon or Spatula – for stirring the sauce and combining ingredients
- 1 Whisk – to blend the flour into the sauce for smoothness
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl – to toss the green beans with the sauce before baking
- 1 Casserole Dish (9x13 inch or similar) – for baking the assembled casserole
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- 1 Colander or Slotted Spoon – for draining the blanched green beans
- 1 Ice Bath Bowl – to quickly cool down the green beans after blanching
- Oven Mitts – for safe handling of the hot casserole dish
Ingredients
For the Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Small onion, finely chopped
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz Mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini for a classic flavor, or try shiitake for a richer taste)
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp Soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Green Bean Casserole:
- 1 lb. Fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- ½ cup Crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade for extra flavor)
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add green beans and blanch for 3-5 minutes, until they’re vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain immediately and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Mushroom Sauce
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re golden brown and tender. This step helps develop a deep, earthy flavor in the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well, cooking for about 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Add the Liquids: Gradually add the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the heavy cream and soy sauce, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce until well-coated. Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, if desired.
- Top with Crispy Fried Onions: Just before baking, add a generous layer of crispy fried onions on top of the casserole.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the fried onions are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve Hot: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!
Notes
How to Make Ahead and Store
This Green Bean Casserole is not only easy to make but also incredibly convenient to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday meals or busy weeknight dinners. Here’s how you can prep, store, and reheat it for the best results:- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mushroom sauce and blanch the green beans up to 2 days in advance. Once cooled, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply combine the green beans and mushroom sauce in your baking dish, top with crispy onions, and bake as directed.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The casserole reheats beautifully, so don’t worry about it losing flavor or texture!
- Freezing Option: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) casserole without the fried onion topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the onion topping, and bake as directed.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. If the fried onions need refreshing, you can add a few extra on top before reheating to maintain the crunch.