If you’ve ever thought a classic holiday side couldn’t get any better, wait until you try this Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe. It’s a celebration of fresh green beans tender to the bite, paired with a creamy, homemade mushroom sauce that absolutely sings with garlic and richness. The crunchy, golden bread crumb topping with just the right touch of fried onions adds that irresistible crisp texture you crave. This isn’t just your average weeknight side; it’s a showstopper that feels both comforting and elegant, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable. From fresh green beans for vibrancy to hearty mushrooms and a creamy sauce, these essentials come together beautifully.
- 4 slices white bread: Torn into quarters, these create the crunchy base for the topping once toasted with butter.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness both in the topping and the sauce, providing depth to every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (topping): Just enough seasoning to enhance but never overpower.
- 6 oz canned fried onions: The classic crispy element that’s mixed into the topping to bring that iconic crunch.
- 2 tablespoons salt (for cooking water): Ensures the green beans are perfectly seasoned and retains their bright color.
- 2 pounds green beans, ends trimmed and halved: Fresh and green, delivering texture and a vibrant base to the casserole.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used to sauté mushrooms and garlic, forming the flavor foundation of the sauce.
- 1 pound white button mushrooms, stems removed and halved: Provide earthiness and substance that make the sauce come alive.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with subtle pungency and warmth.
- ¾ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (sauce): Carefully balanced seasoning to amplify the creamy mushroom flavor.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The thickener that turns the sauce smooth and luscious.
- 1½ cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth and body to the sauce without overwhelming the delicate beans.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: Creates a rich and velvety texture that makes the casserole luxuriously comforting.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Topping
Start by tossing the torn bread pieces with softened butter, salt, and pepper until every crumb is lightly coated. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven until golden brown and crisp. Once toasted, combine the bread crumbs with fried onions to create that perfect crispy topping that will crown your casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the trimmed and halved green beans just until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp—usually a few minutes. This quick cooking locks in their vibrant color and fresh bite. Drain thoroughly and set aside while you work on the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Mushroom Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushrooms and stir well to combine, cooking out the raw flour taste for a couple of minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Gently mix the cooked green beans into the mushroom sauce until every bean is coated with velvety goodness. Pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crispy bread crumb and fried onion topping over the casserole. Bake at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh contrast, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. It adds a pop of green and a bright herbal note that lifts the creamy casserole. You can also add a few extra fried onions right on top for an extra crunch that will delight every bite.
Side Dishes
This Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or baked ham, making it the perfect companion for holiday meals. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside quinoa or a wild rice pilaf to keep things hearty and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at your dinner table. You could also layer it in a clear glass baking dish so your guests can admire the colorful layers before diving in—making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more, though you might want to refresh the topping to keep it crispy when reheating.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well before baking. Assemble it fully, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. To revive the topping’s crunch, remove the covering during the last 5 minutes of reheating or broil briefly with attention to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I make the Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with your favorite vegetable stock. The rich mushroom sauce will still be flavorful and satisfying without the meat-based broth.
What type of mushrooms work best?
White button mushrooms are perfect here because they’re mild and tender, allowing the creamy sauce and fresh green beans to shine. You can experiment with cremini for a deeper flavor if you prefer.
Can I use fresh onions instead of fried onions in the topping?
While fresh onions won’t provide the same crispy texture, you can caramelize thinly sliced onions before mixing them into the topping for a different but delicious twist. For the iconic crunch, adding store-bought fried onions is recommended.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread or gluten-free crackers for the topping and swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. This way the casserole stays equally delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
How far in advance can I prepare this dish?
You can prepare the entire casserole a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh just before serving. This makes your mealtime less stressful and lets flavors meld beautifully in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels both nostalgic and freshly made in a way that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re cooking for a big holiday feast or just craving something homey and special, it brings that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and vibrant goodness to your table. I promise, once you try making this casserole from scratch, it’ll quickly become a cherished classic in your kitchen too.
PrintGreen Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe
This Green Bean Casserole From Scratch is a classic holiday side dish made with fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy homemade bread crumb topping mixed with fried onions. This recipe skips canned soup in favor of a rich, flavorful sauce made from scratch, delivering a comforting and elevated taste perfect for family gatherings and festive meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Topping
- 4 slices white bread, each slice torn into quarters
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 oz canned fried onions
For the Beans and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salt, for cooking water
- 2 pounds green beans, ends trimmed, and halved
- 3 tablespoons (43 g) unsalted butter
- 1 pound white button mushrooms, stems removed, wiped clean and broken into ½-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth
- 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Topping: Tear the white bread slices into quarters and process them in a food processor or pulse manually until coarse crumbs form. Combine the bread crumbs with softened butter, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, and the canned fried onions. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water (with 2 tablespoons salt) to a boil. Add the trimmed and halved green beans and cook until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their green color. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the mushroom pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1½ cups chicken broth and 1½ cups heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add ¾ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Beans with Sauce: Add the drained green beans to the mushroom sauce and stir gently to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the green bean mixture into a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the prepared topping over the beans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Enjoy as a delicious savory side dish perfect for holiday feasts or everyday dinners.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Ensure green beans are not overcooked during blanching to maintain their texture and color.
- Can prepare the topping ahead of time and store in the fridge to save time before baking.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or thyme to the mushroom sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
