There’s something magical about the aroma of a green bean casserole wafting through the house during the holidays. Today, I’m sharing my take on this classic comfort food – a Homemade Green Bean Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Make the mushroom sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic, sautéing until the mushrooms are golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cream, and broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce. Gently fold together until the beans are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup of the crispy fried onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy onions. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Fresh is best: While you can use canned green beans in a pinch, fresh beans will give you the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook: Be careful not to overcook the green beans during blanching. They should be crisp-tender, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
- Make-ahead option: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then add the crispy onions and bake when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is the perfect side dish for your holiday feast, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy year-round. Pair it with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a vegetarian main course for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
There you have it – a homemade version of the classic Green Bean Casserole that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. The crispy fried onions add the perfect crunch to complement the creamy, savory green beans. It’s comfort food at its finest!
