Description
Green bean casserole is a creamy, cheesy, comforting side dish made with tender green beans, savory mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. Loved during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings, it blends rich flavors with minimal effort. The dish is flexible and can be adapted to gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, low-sodium, keto, or nut-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic holiday favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1½ lbs fresh green beans
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 bouillon cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 8 oz mushrooms, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Roux & Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add baking soda and bouillon cubes.
- Boil green beans for 5 minutes, drain, rinse with cold water, and pat dry. Cut into halves or thirds.
- In a measuring cup, mix chicken broth, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, parsley, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the pot used for the beans. Add mushrooms, garlic, and a pinch of salt; cook 4–5 minutes.
- Add remaining butter, then stir in flour; cook 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the broth mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 4–5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the fried onions.
- Add green beans and mix well.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and remaining fried onions.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture and color.
- Do not overcook the beans this keeps them crisp and vibrant.
- Let the sauce thicken slightly before assembling to prevent a watery casserole.
- Customize with bacon, paprika, thyme, caramelized onions, or vegan/dairy-free swaps.
- Freezes well, but topping may soften.
- Make ahead: assemble up to 2 days in advance and bake before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~310
- Sugar: ~5 g
- Sodium: ~720 mg
- Fat: ~20 g
- Saturated Fat: ~12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~22 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~10 g
- Cholesterol: ~45 mg