Ultimate Homemade Green Bean Casserole: Creamy, Flavorful, and Topped with Crispy Onions

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a holiday staple, beloved for its rich, creamy texture, deep flavors, and satisfying crunch from the crispy onion topping! Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply craving a comforting side dish, this recipe is designed to impress. We’ll guide you through making it entirely from scratch, including the decadent cream of mushroom soup and the irresistible homemade fried onions, while also offering convenient options for using canned ingredients to save you time. Get ready to elevate your green bean casserole experience!

*Originally published November 2016. Recipe, text, and photos updated for enhanced clarity and improved flavor.*

Are you counting down the days until the holiday season? For many, Thanksgiving and Christmas simply aren’t complete without a generous serving of classic Green Bean Casserole. This cherished side dish holds a special place at our family table every year, but its incredible flavor makes it a fantastic addition to any dinner, any time. What makes this particular green bean casserole stand out is its versatility and the option to make it truly from scratch.

Imagine tender green beans coated in a luxurious, savory mushroom cream sauce, all crowned with a generous layer of golden, crispy fried onions. This recipe provides you with the choice to either create every component yourself – from a rich, homemade cream of mushroom soup to those perfectly crisp fried onions – or to use high-quality canned alternatives when time is short. Either way, you’re guaranteed a delicious, comforting dish that will earn rave reviews.

Why This Homemade Green Bean Casserole Will Become Your Favorite

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this green bean casserole recipe. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

• Unrivaled Creaminess and Flavor: Forget bland and watery casseroles. This recipe ensures a perfectly creamy sauce that’s bursting with savory mushroom and onion flavors, beautifully complementing the fresh taste of green beans. It’s a harmonious blend that creates an incredibly satisfying bite every time. The depth of flavor is truly enhanced by taking the time to properly brown the mushrooms and onions, creating a rich base for the sauce.
• Customizable to Your Kitchen and Schedule: We understand that not every day allows for extensive cooking. That’s why this recipe offers ultimate flexibility. You can choose between fresh or frozen green beans, whip up a batch of our highly recommended homemade cream of mushroom soup, or opt for your favorite canned variety. The same goes for the crispy fried onions – make them from scratch for an extra special touch, or use store-bought for convenience. This adaptability means you can enjoy an exceptional green bean casserole no matter your time constraints or cooking preferences.
• Surprisingly Easy and Efficient Prep: Despite its gourmet taste, this casserole is remarkably easy to prepare. The hands-on prep time is a mere 15 minutes, making it an ideal candidate for busy holiday menus when oven space and time are precious. After a quick sauté and assembly, the oven does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other dishes or simply relax. It’s a staple Thanksgiving side dish that won’t add stress to your holiday cooking.
• A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion: While traditionally associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas, this comforting dish is a fantastic addition to any family dinner, potluck, or Sunday meal. Its universal appeal makes it a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages, leaving everyone asking for seconds.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Green Bean Casserole

Crafting the perfect green bean casserole starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:

• BUTTER: The foundation of our rich sauce. Butter is used to sauté the aromatics, building a flavorful base for the entire dish. Use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of your casserole.
• ONION: Diced onion provides a sweet and pungent aromatic flavor that melts beautifully with the mushrooms and green beans. Sautéing until golden helps release its full flavor potential.
• GARLIC: A small clove of minced garlic adds a touch of savory depth and warmth to the sauce. Be careful not to burn it; add it after the onions and mushrooms have softened.
• MUSHROOMS: Essential for a truly homemade cream of mushroom soup base. Diced mushrooms, especially cremini (baby bellas), contribute a wonderful earthy, umami flavor. Browning them thoroughly is key to developing their deep taste.
• FLOUR: All-purpose flour is crucial for creating the roux, which thickens our creamy sauce. It gives the casserole its desired consistency, preventing it from being watery.
• GREEN BEANS: You have options here! I typically use 1½ pounds of frozen cut green beans because they are convenient and require minimal prep. However, fresh green beans work beautifully too; just ensure they are trimmed, cut, and blanched as described in the FAQ section. The most important step for both fresh and frozen is to thaw and drain them thoroughly, even giving them a gentle squeeze, to avoid a watery casserole.
• FRIED ONIONS: The iconic crispy topping! While store-bought canned fried onions are a perfectly acceptable and time-saving choice (and one I use often!), making them from scratch adds an unparalleled freshness and crunch. We’ve included instructions for homemade crispy onions, offering a truly gourmet touch.
• CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP: This is where the magic happens for the creamy base. I can’t stress enough how much a homemade cream of mushroom soup elevates this casserole. It’s surprisingly easy to make and delivers a flavor that canned versions simply cannot match. If you have a few extra minutes, I highly recommend going the homemade route – you might never go back to canned! If using canned, choose a high-quality brand.
• WHOLE MILK or HALF AND HALF: The fat content in whole milk or half and half is vital for achieving a rich, luxurious, and creamy sauce. Using lower-fat milk can result in a thinner sauce and a less satisfying flavor profile. The richness truly makes a difference in the final product.
• CHICKEN OR VEGETABLE BROTH: This liquid contributes to the sauce’s body and flavor, adding another layer of savory goodness. Use chicken broth for a richer taste, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• NUTMEG: A small pinch of nutmeg is a secret ingredient that adds a subtle warmth and a sophisticated depth to the creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a classic pairing with cream and mushrooms and elevates the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Creating this delicious green bean casserole from scratch is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect, flavorful result every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Veggies: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully), melt the butter over medium to medium-low heat. Add your diced onions and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté them patiently, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are beautifully golden brown and the onions are softened and translucent. This browning step is crucial as it caramelizes the vegetables, intensifying their natural sweetness and umami flavors, which will form the rich base of your sauce.
2. Create the Roux: Once your vegetables are perfectly browned, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic. Immediately after, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously for 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste. This creates a roux, which is essential for thickening your sauce and ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce: Slowly and gradually whisk in the whole milk (or half and half) and chicken or vegetable broth. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. Meanwhile, prepare your green beans: if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and squeeze out any excess water. If using fresh, blanch them as per the FAQ section and drain well. Add the well-drained green beans, ¾ cup of the crispy fried onions (reserving the rest for topping), the condensed cream of mushroom soup (homemade or canned), and a pinch of nutmeg to the skillet. Stir everything together until the green beans are thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the skillet directly into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the sauce is simmering gently around the edges. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully and the beans are tender-crisp.
5. Add Final Topping and Serve: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions over the top. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and extra crispy. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly and cool to a comfortable eating temperature.

How to Make Homemade Crispy Fried Onions (Optional but Highly Recommended!)

For an unparalleled green bean casserole experience, making your own crispy fried onions is a game-changer. They offer a fresh, savory crunch that elevates the entire dish. You can prepare these a day in advance or while your casserole is baking.

1. Prepare Onions: Thinly slice ½ small onion. Place the onion slices in ⅓ cup of milk and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step helps tenderize the onions and allows the flour coating to adhere better.
2. Heat Oil & Prepare Coating: Heat oil in a small, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat to about 350-375°F (175-190°C). While the oil heats, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Coat and Fry: Remove the onion slices from the milk, shaking off any excess liquid. Toss them in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Working in small batches, carefully place the coated onions into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy onions. Fry until they are lightly golden brown and perfectly crisp, usually 2-3 minutes per batch.
4. Drain and Store: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried onions to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Once cooled, they will become even crisper. If making ahead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Expert Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole

Achieving a truly exceptional green bean casserole is all about paying attention to a few key details. These tips will help you create a dish that stands out:

• Brown Your Vegetables Thoroughly: Don’t rush the sautéing process for the mushrooms and onions. Allowing them to deeply caramelize and turn golden brown before adding other ingredients is essential for developing a rich, savory, and complex flavor base for your sauce. This step alone makes a significant difference.
• Cook the Flour Properly: When creating the roux, ensure you cook the flour for a full minute after stirring it into the butter and vegetables. This crucial step removes the raw flour taste, leaving you with a smooth, velvety, and delicious sauce without any pasty undertones.
• Prioritize Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: If time permits, making your own condensed cream of mushroom soup is highly recommended. It’s surprisingly simple and elevates the entire casserole with fresh, vibrant mushroom flavor that store-bought cans can’t replicate. It truly contributes to that “from scratch” taste.
• Drain Green Beans Meticulously: Whether using fresh or frozen green beans, thoroughly draining them is paramount. Excess water will dilute your sauce, making it runny and less flavorful. Give frozen beans a good squeeze after thawing to extract as much liquid as possible.
• Choose Full-Fat Dairy: Stick to whole milk or half and half for the sauce. The higher fat content is what gives the casserole its luxurious, creamy texture and rich mouthfeel. Skimping on fat here can result in a thinner, less satisfying sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd Fried Onions: If making homemade crispy onions, fry them in small batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy rather than crispy onions. Patience here pays off in crunchy dividends!
• Season to Taste: Taste your sauce before adding the green beans and adjust seasonings as needed. Different broths and canned soups can vary in sodium content, so a quick taste test ensures perfect flavor balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Green Bean Casserole

Serving Suggestions for Your Green Bean Casserole

This ultimate green bean casserole is a star side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals, especially during the festive season. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

• Holiday Feast: It’s a non-negotiable for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner! Serve it alongside a perfectly roasted turkey or a glazed ham, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
• Sunday Supper: Elevate a simple roast chicken or pork loin with this comforting side.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: Its crowd-pleasing nature makes it an excellent choice for potlucks, family reunions, or any large gathering. It transports well and is always a hit.
• Weeknight Comfort: Don’t reserve it just for holidays! Enjoy it as a hearty vegetable side with a weeknight meatloaf or baked chicken for a comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover green bean casserole is a true treat! Here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain its deliciousness:

• Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the crispy onions might soften over time once refrigerated with the casserole. If you plan for leftovers, you might consider adding crispy onions only to the portions you plan to eat immediately.
• Reheating in the Oven: For best results and to re-crisp any remaining onions, reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If the topping is too soft, you can add a fresh sprinkle of crispy onions for the last 5-10 minutes.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick reheat, individual portions can be warmed in the microwave. Be aware that the crispy onions will become soft. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout.

Other Delicious Thanksgiving and Christmas Recipes to Try:

• Butterflied Roasted Herb Turkey
• Homemade Herb Stuffing
• Skillet Garlic Green Beans
• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce
• Pumpkin Pie

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all my latest updates!