Irresistible Green Bean Casserole From Scratch – 1 Life-Changing Recipe
This classic green bean casserole is made from scratch with fresh beans and a creamy mushroom sauce.
introduction
This dish uses fresh green beans, a simple cream sauce, and crunchy fried onions. It tastes better than the canned version and stays light and fresh. For another simple homemade take, see green bean casserole from scratch to compare ideas.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe if you want a real homemade side that feels like a holiday dish but is easy to do. It uses simple ingredients and steps. You can control salt, cream, and the crispy topping. If you want to see a very quick classic version to compare, check Campbell’s green bean casserole recipe for a fast take.
how to make Irresistible Green Bean Casserole From Scratch – 1 Life-Changing Recipe
Make the sauce first, then mix with the beans and bake. Start by blanching the beans so they stay bright and crisp. Cook the onions and mushrooms in butter, add garlic, then stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly pour in broth and cream and cook until the sauce thickens. Mix the beans with the sauce, put in a dish, top with crispy onions, and bake until hot. For a richer twist and different flavor ideas, you can look at Paula Deen’s green bean casserole recipe.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onions until soft.
- Add mushrooms and garlic, cook until mushrooms release moisture.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir to coat.
- Slowly whisk in broth and cream, simmer until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss green beans in the sauce, transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with fried onions and bake for 20 minutes.
how to serve Irresistible Green Bean Casserole From Scratch – 1 Life-Changing Recipe
Serve hot from the oven. Place the casserole on the table and let people scoop it onto plates. It goes well with roast meats, mashed potatoes, and simple bread. Garnish with extra crispy onions if you like.
how to store Irresistible Green Bean Casserole From Scratch – 1 Life-Changing Recipe
Cool the casserole to room temperature, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15–20 minutes. You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without fried onions) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before baking and add onions before the last 10 minutes.
tips to make Irresistible Green Bean Casserole From Scratch – 1 Life-Changing Recipe
- Blanch beans briefly so they stay bright and not mushy.
- Dry the beans well after blanching to help the sauce stick.
- Cook mushrooms until their water evaporates for a full flavor.
- Add the fried onions just before baking for best crunch, or add some at the end if they brown too fast.
variation (if any)
- Use sour cream or plain yogurt in place of some heavy cream for tang.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky note.
- Swap green beans for asparagus or broccoli if you prefer.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain them, then reduce blanch time or skip blanching. Watch baking time so they do not get too soft.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: How do I keep the fried onions crunchy?
A: Add most of the onions right before baking, and save some to sprinkle on after baking.
Q: Can I prepare parts ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and blanch beans a day ahead, then assemble and bake on serving day.