The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love

Classic green bean casserole brings nostalgic comfort to dinner tables across America.

Crispy onions and creamy sauce make this dish irresistibly delicious.

Traditional recipes often feel heavy and predictable.

We crafted a lighter version that keeps all the beloved flavors intact.

Seasonal green beans provide a fresh crunch that perfectly complements the rich mushroom base.

Mushroom soup creates a velvety texture without overwhelming the delicate vegetables.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing side dish and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure joy.

Classic Green Bean Casserole Made Easy

• Conquer Complexity: This green bean casserole breaks down complex cooking steps into simple, manageable actions anyone can master, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, creating a versatile dish that adapts to different palates and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, creamy sauce and crispy fried onion topping, this classic side dish brings warm nostalgia and delicious flavor to any gathering, from holiday dinners to weeknight meals.
• Stress-Free Preparation: With straightforward techniques like blanching beans and creating a simple gravy, this recipe minimizes kitchen stress while maximizing flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh, crisp vegetables that form the core of this classic casserole dish.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• Shallots: Provide a delicate, sweet onion flavor to the dish.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a luxurious, creamy consistency.

• Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Crispy Fried Onions: Adds a crunchy, golden-brown texture and complementary flavor to the dish.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the baking dish is non-stick and prevents the casserole from sticking.

How to Prepare Classic Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking and set it aside.

Step 2: Prep The Green Beans

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add fresh green beans and cook for about 5 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender.

Step 3: Shock And Cool The Beans

Drain the beans quickly and immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to halt the cooking process and keep them crisp. Spread the beans out on a paper towel to dry completely.

Step 4: Create The Creamy Base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat until golden and bubbling.

Add finely chopped shallots and sauté until they become soft and translucent.

Step 5: Build The Flavor Foundation

Add fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the fragrant flavors meld together.

Step 6: Whisk Up The Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk vigorously. Slowly pour in chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and create a smooth sauce.

Step 7: Thicken The Magic

Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a silky, luxurious gravy that perfectly coats the beans.

Step 8: Marry The Beans And Sauce

Fold the prepared green beans into the creamy sauce, making sure each bean is evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Generously sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top for a delightful crunchy finish.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges bubble and the fried onions turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 11: Serve And Celebrate

Remove the casserole from the oven and serve immediately while hot, enjoying this creamy, crunchy, and irresistible classic side dish.

Tips for Delicious Green Bean Casserole

• Avoid overcooking green beans by setting a timer and using ice water to stop the cooking process, ensuring crisp and vibrant vegetables.
• Whisk constantly and pour chicken stock and cream slowly to create a smooth, lump-free gravy that coats the green beans evenly.
• Use fresh thyme and season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Add fried onions in the last 15-20 minutes of baking to maintain their crunchiness and prevent soggy topping.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a lactose-free version of the dish.

Variations on Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Green Bean Blast: Replace thyme with cumin and chili powder, add diced jalapeños to the sauce, top with pepper jack cheese and crushed tortilla chips instead of fried onions.
• Mediterranean Herb Green Bean Remix: Swap chicken stock for vegetable broth, add crumbled feta cheese, incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and oregano, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts before serving.
• Mushroom Umami Green Bean Fusion: Include sautéed wild mushrooms like shiitake and cremini with the shallots, use mushroom broth instead of chicken stock, garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley.

Pairing Suggestions for Green Bean Casserole

• Roasted Turkey Harmony: Pair this creamy casserole with perfectly roasted turkey for a classic thanksgiving combination that brings out rich, savory flavors and complements the dish's creamy texture.
• Robust Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, which cuts through the casserole's richness while enhancing its earthy green bean and herbal thyme notes.
• Zesty Citrus Cocktail Companion: Mix a bright lemon spritzer or gin-based cocktail to provide a refreshing contrast against the heavy, creamy casserole, cleansing the palate between bites with its crisp, tangy profile.

Storage Tips for Fresh Green Bean Casserole

• Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp onion topping.

FAQs

• What type of green beans work best for this recipe?

Fresh green beans are ideal, but you can also use frozen green beans that have been thawed and patted dry. Avoid canned green beans as they’re too soft and can make the casserole mushy.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add the crispy fried onions right before baking to keep them crunchy.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and use a butter substitute or olive oil. The rest of the recipe remains the same, creating a delicious vegetarian version of the classic casserole.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic Green Bean Casserole, blending crisp green beans with creamy mushroom sauce and golden-brown crispy onions. Homestyle cooking delivers pure satisfaction for family gatherings and holiday meals you’ll savor with genuine delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken stock
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 6 ounces (170 grams) crispy fried onions

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and coat a 9×17-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy release.
2. Boil a large pot of water and submerge green beans, cooking for precisely 5 minutes to maintain crisp texture.
3. Quickly transfer blanched green beans into an ice water bath to halt cooking process, then drain and pat dry on paper towels.
4. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing shallots until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate thyme, salt, and pepper into the shallot mixture, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Dust flour over the mixture, whisking thoroughly to prevent clumping, and cook for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
7. Gradually pour chicken stock while continuously whisking, then repeat with heavy cream to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
8. Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches a thick, gravy-like consistency.
9. Fold green beans into the sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
10. Transfer the sauced green beans to the prepared baking dish and generously sprinkle crispy fried onions on top.
11. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until edges are bubbling and onions turn golden brown.
12. Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

• Trim green beans carefully to remove tough ends and ensure even cooking.
• Blanching helps maintain vibrant color and crisp texture of green beans while partially cooking them.
• Ice bath immediately stops cooking process, preventing mushy or overcooked beans.
• Whisk sauce constantly to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
• Use fresh thyme for more intense, aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs.
• Substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for vegetarian version.
• Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor if desired.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
• Make ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time during meal preparation.
• Can be stored in refrigerator for 2-3 days, reheat gently to maintain sauce texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 183
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg