Easy Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe Every Family Loves

Comfort classics like green bean casserole often spark memories of cherished gatherings.

Grandmothers across America perfected this beloved dish through generations of love and care.

Crispy, golden-topped creations promise warmth and satisfaction with every delightful bite.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with tender green beans and crunchy onion streusel.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating an extraordinary side dish.

Seasonal vegetables and carefully selected seasonings elevate this traditional recipe from ordinary to spectacular.

What Makes The Best Green Bean Casserole So Classic

• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Guaranteed to win over family and friends, this recipe offers a crowd-favorite side that appeals to multiple taste preferences and ages, making it ideal for gatherings and holiday meals.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Fresh green beans provide essential vitamins and minerals, transforming a traditional side dish into a more nutritious option while maintaining incredible flavor and creamy texture.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple modifications like swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth, making it adaptable for different dietary needs and personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for The Best Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Crisp and tender green vegetables that form the base of this classic casserole.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth sauce.
• Half-and-Half: Adds creamy texture and richness to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall flavor and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.

• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and flavor to the dish.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• French's Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that adds texture and golden-brown color to the casserole.

How to Cook The Best Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375F (190C) so it’s ready for delicious action.

Step 2: Blanch The Green Beans

Toss green beans into boiling salted water and cook for 5 minutes.

Quickly drain and set them aside.

Step 3: Awaken The Garlic

Melt butter in a skillet and dance the garlic around until its aroma fills the kitchen, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Create A Smooth Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour into the buttery garlic mixture, creating a silky roux.

• Chicken broth
• Half-and-half

Whisk continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick consistency.

Step 5: Season With Love

Shower the sauce with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting for perfect flavor balance.

Step 6: Combine Green Beans And Sauce

Gently fold the blanched green beans into the creamy sauce, ensuring every bean gets a delicious coating.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the green bean mixture into a baking dish and crown it with a generous layer of crispy French fried onions.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns beautifully golden and the edges bubble with excitement.

Pro Tips for The Best Green Bean Casserole

• Briefly boil green beans in salted water to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture while partially cooking before baking.
• Create a smooth, lump-free sauce by slowly whisking chicken broth and half-and-half into the flour and butter mixture, stirring constantly for perfect consistency.
• Sprinkle French fried onions evenly across the casserole's surface for maximum crunch and golden-brown coverage.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use dairy-free alternatives to create a vegetarian and lactose-free version of the classic dish.

Variations on The Best Green Bean Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace half-and-half with coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter for a creamy, vegan-friendly casserole.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free fried onions as topping.
• Mushroom Boost: Add sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms to the sauce for extra umami and depth of flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and add roasted almonds or nutritional yeast for protein and nutty richness.

Serving Ideas for The Best Green Bean Casserole

• Festive Holiday Table Centerpiece: Place the green bean casserole in a beautiful ceramic dish surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and whole roasted garlic cloves for an elegant presentation that wows dinner guests.
• Protein Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the creamy casserole.
• Gourmet Topping Twist: Sprinkle extra crispy fried onions mixed with toasted almond slivers or breadcrumbs right before serving to add a delightful crunch and elevated texture to the classic dish.
• Leftover Magic: Repurpose remaining casserole by folding it into scrambled eggs, using as a creamy pasta sauce, or topping a baked potato for a delicious next-day meal transformation.

How to Store The Best Green Bean Casserole

• Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness.
• Wrap the casserole securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Why use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Fresh green beans provide a crisp texture and brighter flavor compared to canned, which can be mushy and less flavorful. They also retain more nutrients and give the casserole a more vibrant appearance.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble everything except the fried onion topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add the onions just before baking to keep them crispy.

• How do I ensure my sauce doesn't become lumpy?

Whisk continuously when adding flour and liquid, and add the liquid slowly. Use a wire whisk and stir constantly to prevent flour clumps from forming in the sauce.

The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy green bean casserole elevates classic comfort food with crispy onion topped goodness. Homemade and hearty, this dish brings family favorites to life with simple ingredients and mouthwatering flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) fresh green beans, rinsed, trimmed, and halved

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1.25 cups (300 milliliters) half-and-half or whole milk
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) chicken broth

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup French’s fried onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare green beans by blanching in generously salted boiling water for 5 minutes, ensuring crisp-tender texture. Quickly drain and shock in ice water to halt cooking process.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually incorporate flour into butter mixture, creating a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce base.
4. Slowly stream in chicken broth and half-and-half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy consistency.
5. Simmer sauce until it reaches a velvety thickness, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
6. Season sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
7. Gently fold blanched green beans into sauce, ensuring each bean is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
8. Transfer bean and sauce blend to a prepared baking dish, spreading mixture in an even layer.
9. Generously sprinkle French’s crispy fried onions across the top for a crunchy, golden crown.
10. Bake in preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until sauce bubbles and onion topping turns a rich, golden brown.

Notes

• Blanch green beans quickly to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture, preventing them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Substitute dairy-free half-and-half or almond milk for a lactose-free version, ensuring creamy consistency without compromising flavor.
• Toast homemade breadcrumbs as a healthier alternative to store-bought fried onions, reducing overall calorie content while adding a fresh crunch.
• Enhance flavor profile by adding sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon bits for extra depth and complexity in the classic casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg