Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

Introduction

The Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions is a classic American comfort dish that has been a staple of Thanksgiving and holiday feasts since the 1950s. Creamy, savory, and topped with crunchy golden onions, this casserole is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. It’s hearty enough to be a star side dish yet simple enough to prepare with everyday ingredients.

Unlike many side dishes, this casserole is universally loved—its creamy mushroom sauce pairs beautifully with fresh green beans, while the crispy onions add that addictive crunch on top. It’s festive, satisfying, and a nostalgic dish that brings families together year after year.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort food at its finest. The contrast of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy onion topping creates a perfectly balanced bite every time. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can make it with fresh, frozen, or canned green beans, and you can even elevate it with homemade crispy onions or a touch of cheese.

It’s one of those recipes that feels both traditional and timeless, reminding me of holiday gatherings filled with warmth, laughter, and the smell of comforting food coming out of the oven.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s a holiday classic that has stood the test of time.
• Easy to make, yet tastes rich and indulgent.
• Can be prepped ahead of time for stress-free cooking.
• Pairs with almost any main course—turkey, chicken, ham, or beef.
• That crispy onion topping is simply irresistible!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 8
• Calories per Serving: ~220 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American (Classic Holiday Recipe)
• Course: Side Dish

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 ½ pounds (about 700 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 4 cups frozen)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Blanch the green beans.
2. Prepare the creamy mushroom sauce.
3. Combine beans and sauce in a casserole dish.
4. Top with crispy fried onions.
5. Bake until golden and bubbling.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Green Beans:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add green beans and blanch for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
   • Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
3. Prepare Mushroom Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
   • Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release moisture and turn golden, about 5–6 minutes.
   • Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute to remove raw taste.
   • Gradually whisk in broth and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in Parmesan if using.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine green beans with mushroom sauce. Mix well.
   • Sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly on top.
5. Bake: Place casserole in preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a holiday side dish alongside roast turkey, chicken, ham, or beef.
• Great with mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce for a complete Thanksgiving spread.
• Can also be served at potlucks and family dinners year-round.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcook the beans during blanching—they will cook further in the oven.
• Make the sauce creamier by using heavy cream instead of milk.
• Add a little shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy version.
• For a shortcut, you can use cream of mushroom soup instead of homemade sauce, but homemade tastes fresher.

Variations

• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Mix shredded cheddar or Gruyère into the sauce.
• Bacon Twist: Add crispy bacon bits for extra smokiness.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free fried onions.
• Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole without the onion topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add onions just before baking after thawing.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for blanching beans)
• Large skillet (for mushroom sauce)
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Whisk

Conclusion

The Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions is a beloved holiday tradition that combines freshness, creaminess, and crunch in every bite. It’s simple to prepare, universally loved, and pairs beautifully with any festive meal.

Once you try this homemade version with a rich mushroom sauce and fresh green beans, you’ll never go back to canned versions again. It’s a dish that brings comfort, nostalgia, and joy to the table—perfect for making holiday memories with your loved ones.

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Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 220 kcal

Description

The Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions is a classic American comfort dish that has been a staple of Thanksgiving and holiday feasts since the 1950s. Creamy, savory, and topped with crunchy golden onions, this casserole is the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Casserole:

• 1 ½ pounds (about 700 g)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225 g)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Green Beans : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
3. Prepare Mushroom Sauce : In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release moisture and turn golden, about 5–6 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute to remove raw taste. Gradually whisk in broth and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in Parmesan if using.
4. Assemble the Casserole : In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, combine green beans with mushroom sauce. Mix well. Sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly on top.
5. Bake : Place casserole in preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Serve : Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Keywords: Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions