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homemade green bean casserole

Classic Green Bean Casserole

This homemade green bean casserole is made from fresh ingredients and features a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping. It turns 1 pound of fresh green beans into a dish that serves 8 and contains only 112 calories per serving.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 112 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed and blanched
  • 8 tablespoons salted butter divided
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 1/2 cups half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan optional
  • 4 slices bacon optional
  • 1 cup fried onions homemade or store-bought

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
  • Prepare the creamy mushroom sauce by cooking sliced mushrooms, onions, and garlic in butter. Add flour to make a roux. Slowly incorporate half-and-half and simmer until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce, and optional Parmesan.
  • Layer green beans in a 9x13-inch baking dish, pour mushroom sauce over them.
  • If prepared ahead of time, cover and refrigerate the casserole for up to 48 hours before baking.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly around the edges. Add crispy onion topping in the last 5 minutes.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

  • The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead. Add the crispy onion topping right before baking to keep it crunchy.
  • You can use frozen or canned green beans, but fresh beans yield the best texture and flavor.
  • The crispy onion topping can be homemade or store-bought, with instructions provided for making it from scratch.
  • Make the mushroom cream sauce in advance; it can be stored for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • The casserole can be made vegetarian by using vegetable stock and ensuring all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
  • Gluten-free options are available, including using gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornflakes for the onion topping.
Keyword Creamy Mushroom Sauce, Crispy Onion Topping, Green Bean Casserole, homemade green bean casserole