The Ultimate Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a beloved classic, often making its appearance on holiday tables across the country. While store-bought ingredients like canned soup and pre-packaged fried onions can make this dish quick and easy, nothing compares to the flavor and freshness of a homemade version. This ultimate homemade green bean casserole is rich, creamy, and packed with layers of textures and flavors. If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a delicious, made-from-scratch dish, this recipe is for you.

Why Make Green Bean Casserole from Scratch?

While the traditional version using canned ingredients is convenient, making green bean casserole from scratch elevates the dish in several ways:

• Better Flavor: Using fresh green beans, homemade creamy sauce, and crispy fried onions adds a depth of taste that canned ingredients can’t match.
• Healthier Ingredients: Making your own mushroom sauce lets you control the ingredients, reducing sodium and avoiding preservatives.
• Customizable: You can adjust the flavors, add different seasonings, or even include bacon, cheese, or other mix-ins for a unique twist.
• Freshness and Texture: Homemade versions provide a perfect balance of crisp green beans, smooth sauce, and crispy onions, ensuring every bite is delightful.

For more delicious holiday sides, check out our Thanksgiving Side Dishes collection.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Homemade Green Bean Casserole

For this homemade version, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients:

For the Green Beans:

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (to help preserve the green color)

the Mushroom Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra depth of flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added richness)

the Crispy Fried Onions:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup buttermilk (for soaking the onions)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a hint of spice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blanch the Green Beans

Start by blanching the green beans to preserve their bright green color and crisp-tender texture.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt and baking soda.
2. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green.
3. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water) to stop the cooking process.
4. Drain and set aside.

If you love easy side dishes, try our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Recipe for a quick and delicious option.

2. Prepare the Crispy Fried Onions

Making your own crispy fried onions adds an incredible crunch and freshness.

1. Soak the sliced onions in buttermilk for about 10 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Dredge the soaked onions in the flour mixture and shake off excess.
5. Fry the onions in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per batch.
6. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.

3. Make the Mushroom Sauce

This homemade mushroom sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with umami flavor.

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat.
5. Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
6. Add the milk (or half-and-half), soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, mustard, nutmeg, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Want to master sauce-making? Check out our guide on How to Make a Roux for Macaroni and Cheese.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Now it’s time to put everything together.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans and the homemade mushroom sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top.
5. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
6. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining fried onions.
7. Bake for another 5 minutes until the onions are crispy and lightly browned.

Tips for the Best Homemade Green Bean Casserole

• Use fresh green beans: Frozen or canned green beans can be used, but fresh green beans provide the best texture.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the mushroom sauce and blanch the green beans a day before. Store them separately and assemble them before baking.
• Customize the flavor: Add crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or toasted almonds for extra flavor.
• Keep the onions crispy: Add the second batch of fried onions at the end of baking to maintain their crunch.
• Experiment with different cheeses: Gruyère or sharp cheddar can add a deliciously cheesy twist.
• Try different seasonings: Smoked paprika, cayenne, or even a dash of hot sauce can enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This green bean casserole pairs wonderfully with classic holiday dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. However, it’s not just for Thanksgiving! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a Sunday roast for a comforting side dish any time of year.

Conclusion

Making green bean casserole from scratch might take a little extra time, but the flavor and freshness make it worth the effort. With tender green beans, creamy homemade mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, this ultimate homemade green bean casserole will be the star of your dinner table. Try this recipe for your next gathering and watch as your guests come back for seconds! Whether it’s a holiday meal or a weeknight comfort dish, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.