Looking for the best way to elevate your family dinner or holiday spread? This green bean casserole recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Made with fresh ingredients and just the right blend of seasonings, it’s a dish you won’t want to miss. Keep reading for a complete breakdown of how to make this classic casserole and discover all the tips, tricks, and variations to make it your own.
What is Green Bean Casserole?
Green bean casserole is a popular side dish, particularly during the holidays. It combines tender green beans with a creamy sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for added crunch and flavor. Originating in the 1950s, this dish has remained a staple in many households due to its simple preparation, delicious flavors, and versatility. Whether you're making it for a Thanksgiving dinner or a weeknight family meal, this casserole adds comfort and flavor to any table.
Ingredients List for Green Bean Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious green bean casserole:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans: Rinsed, trimmed, and halved. Fresh green beans add a crisp texture and bright flavor, though canned or frozen beans can be used in a pinch.
- 2 tablespoons butter: This adds richness and a slight creamy taste to the casserole base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings an aromatic depth to the dish that balances the creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
- ¾ cup chicken broth: A base for the sauce, lending a savory flavor.
- 1 ¼ cups half-and-half or whole milk: This creamy element makes the sauce smooth and luxurious.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup French’s fried onions: The crowning jewel of the casserole, these crispy fried onions provide the perfect crunch and contrast to the creamy beans.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs? There are several substitutions and variations you can make:
- Green Beans: While fresh green beans offer the best texture, you can substitute them with canned or frozen green beans. If using canned beans, make sure to drain them thoroughly. Frozen green beans should be thawed before use.
- Butter: For a lighter option, you can use olive oil in place of butter, although the flavor will be slightly different.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version. You can also use a low-sodium broth if you're watching your salt intake.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the half-and-half or milk with a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk to make the dish vegan-friendly. You can also use plant-based butter.
- Onion Topping: While French’s fried onions are the classic choice, you can also make your own homemade crispy onions or use panko breadcrumbs for a slightly different crunch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly once it’s assembled.
- Prepare the green beans by rinsing, trimming, and cutting them in half. Then, blanch them in a pot of boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still bright green. Drain and immediately plunge the beans into ice water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour turns golden. This step ensures your sauce will thicken properly.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth, followed by the half-and-half or milk. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens (about 4-5 minutes).
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the green beans with the sauce in a large bowl. Mix well to ensure all the beans are coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the casserole with the crispy fried onions, spreading them in an even layer across the surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
How to Cook Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Blanch the green beans to retain their crispness and vibrant color.
- Create the roux with butter and flour to ensure your sauce is thick and creamy.
- Season adequately with garlic, salt, and pepper to avoid a bland dish.
- Don’t forget the crispy onions! They should be added just before baking to maintain their crunch.
- Bake until bubbly—this ensures all the flavors meld together and the casserole is thoroughly heated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the green beans: Blanch them for only 3-4 minutes to avoid soggy beans.
- Not thickening the sauce: Ensure the sauce is adequately thickened by cooking the roux for the proper amount of time. If the sauce is too thin, the casserole will be watery.
- Adding onions too early: If you add the fried onions too early, they may burn. Add them only in the last part of the cooking process.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Green bean casserole is more than just a delicious side dish; it can also be beautifully presented with a few simple tricks. Here’s how you can serve and present it like a pro.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole
- Serve immediately after baking while the fried onions are still crispy.
- Pair it with a variety of dishes: Green bean casserole goes wonderfully with roast meats like turkey, chicken, or ham. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a full holiday spread.
- For a healthier option, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Casserole
- Use a decorative baking dish to make the casserole look even more appetizing when you bring it to the table.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.
- For a rustic look, serve the casserole directly from the oven in a cast-iron skillet or a vintage casserole dish.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: Green bean casserole can be prepped in advance. Simply prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the fried onions. Cover it with foil and refrigerate for up to two days. When you're ready to serve, sprinkle on the onions and bake.
- Crispier onions: For extra crispy onions, toast them lightly in a pan before adding them to the casserole.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a little extra broth or milk to loosen it up before combining with the green beans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen green beans for green bean casserole?
Yes, frozen green beans work well. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour. Also, check that your fried onions are gluten-free.
3. Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day or two in advance. Store it in the fridge and add the fried onions just before baking.
4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of the casserole.
5. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven to restore some of the crispy texture of the onions.
Conclusion
Green bean casserole is a timeless dish that brings both flavor and comfort to any meal. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays or a regular family dinner, this recipe offers a perfect blend of textures and savory flavors. With fresh green beans, a creamy sauce, and crispy fried onions, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. By following these step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations, you’ll have the best green bean casserole on the table in no time. Happy cooking!
PrintThe Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This delicious green bean casserole recipe features fresh green beans, butter, garlic, and a creamy sauce made with chicken broth and half-and-half. Topped with crispy French’s fried onions, it’s the perfect side dish for holiday meals or weeknight dinners. Ideal for those looking for a classic comfort dish with fresh ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, rinsed, trimmed, and halved
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half-and-half or whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup French’s fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in flour to make a roux, cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half until smooth.
- Add salt and pepper, and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Mix green beans with the sauce, then pour into a baking dish.
- Top with French’s fried onions and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
Leave a Reply