Delicious Ina Garten's green bean casserole served at Thanksgiving dinner

The Best Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving

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why make this recipe

This Ina Garten green bean casserole tastes rich and fresh. It uses real cream, mushrooms, and crunchy onions. You will get a classic holiday side that feels special but stays easy to cook.

introduction

This casserole brings green beans and a creamy sauce together for Thanksgiving. It warms the table and pairs well with turkey. For the original source and idea, see the Ina Garten green bean casserole recipe at Ina Garten green bean casserole recipe.

how to make The Best Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving

Follow simple steps to build the dish, then bake until bubbly and brown. You can also look at a homestyle version for ideas on texture and flavor at homestyle southern green bean casserole.

Ingredients :

  • 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 ½ cups French-fried onions
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions :

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add trimmed green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and plunge into ice water. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add mushrooms, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Cook 6–8 minutes until mushrooms are browned and moisture is released.
  6. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. In a large bowl, combine blanched green beans and cream sauce. Toss until beans are well coated.
  8. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with French-fried onions and sprinkle Parmesan cheese if using.
  9. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve The Best Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving

Serve hot from the oven with roast turkey and mashed potatoes. Place the dish in the center so guests can help themselves. A small sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a mild fresh taste.

how to store The Best Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving

Cool the casserole fully, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until hot. You can freeze the cooked casserole in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make The Best Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving

  • Blanch the beans just until crisp-tender; this keeps them bright and not mushy.
  • Use good heavy cream for a rich sauce.
  • If you like extra crisp top, add the fried onions halfway through baking and broil briefly at the end. For a creamier take and more topping ideas, see an extra creamy recipe at extra creamy green bean casserole.
  • Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt or mustard as needed.

variation (if any)

  • Make it vegetarian by using a vegetarian soy sauce and checking the fried onions for no animal products.
  • Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
  • Mix in slivered almonds or breadcrumbs with the onions for a different crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain them first, then reduce blanch time. Watch so they do not get too soft.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day. Add the fried onions and bake before serving.

Q: How do I keep the sauce from getting too thin?
A: Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly before mixing with beans. If needed, cook a little longer to reduce liquid.

Q: Can I replace heavy cream with milk?
A: Heavy cream gives the best texture. Using milk will make the sauce thinner; add a little flour or cornstarch to thicken if you must use milk.

Q: Are French-fried onions necessary?
A: They add classic crunch. You can substitute toasted breadcrumbs or fried shallots if you prefer.