Green Bean Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving that classic, comforting side that brings people together at the table, this Green Bean Casserole Recipe is just what you need. It’s a harmonious blend of tender green beans enveloped in a luscious mushroom cream sauce topped with a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb crust. This dish hits all the right notes with its creamy texture, savory mushrooms, and the perfect hint of garlic and herbs. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only simple, fresh ingredients come together in this Green Bean Casserole Recipe, each playing an essential role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the crisp green beans to the golden breadcrumbs, every bite offers balance and heartiness.
- Green beans (1 pound): Fresh and trimmed to provide a crisp, vibrant base for the casserole.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A heart-healthy fat that enhances the sauté flavors.
- Mushrooms, 8 ounces sliced: Whether cremini, baby bella, or white, these bring a deep, savory earthiness.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): A punch of aroma and flavor that ties all ingredients together.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the creamy mushroom sauce beautifully.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1/2 cup): Infuses the sauce with a subtle savoriness.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): The silky base of the luscious sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy umami lift to the creaminess.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens the savory flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning everything perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Give the casserole that coveted crunchy, toasted topping.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/3 cup): Adds a nutty, salty finish to the topping.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon) or garlic flakes (1 teaspoon): For an extra garlic kick in the topping.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Brings freshness and color to the crust.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and blanching the green beans for about 5 to 8 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. This step locks in their color and keeps that satisfying snap in every bite. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly before mixing into the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Onions
Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they turn beautifully golden brown, releasing all their earthy flavor. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, then stir in the minced garlic just until fragrant. This trio forms the hearty, flavorful foundation of your casserole’s sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil, watching it thicken before reducing the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, then simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Taste and season with salt and pepper to really bring out the layers of flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Fold the blanched green beans into the luscious cream sauce until they’re coated evenly. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley, then sprinkle this golden topping generously over the casserole. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. For a show-stopping finish, switch to broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the topping is bubbling and browned perfectly crisp.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh parsley leaves or chives on top just before serving for a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbiness. A little cracked black pepper over the golden crust can also enhance the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or baked ham, making it a great partner for any holiday or family feast. For a vegetarian spread, try it alongside mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf for a comforting balance of textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve your casserole in individual ramekins to give each guest their own personal, crispy-topped delight. If you want to impress visually, sprinkle some toasted almonds on top of the breadcrumbs before baking to add an extra layer of crunch and a nutty flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Green Bean Casserole Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making for an even more delicious next-day side.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly, and freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains some crunch. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect crispiness intact.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
While fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor, you can use canned green beans in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well and reduce blanching time since canned beans are already cooked.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter and cream for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth and vegan Worcestershire sauce to keep the flavors delicious and animal-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Sliced carrots, peas, or even roasted butternut squash can add wonderful color and flavor, just be mindful of their cooking times to maintain texture balance.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you’re avoiding dairy or just don’t have Parmesan on hand, nutritional yeast offers a nice cheesy flavor, or you can use a sharp vegan cheese alternative. Both work well in the breadcrumb topping.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
For an extra crispy topping, toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a pan with a bit of butter before mixing with the cheese and herbs. Then sprinkle over the casserole just before baking for maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe is truly a classic comfort food that never fails to bring warmth and joy to the table. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor and texture, making it a side dish you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your family’s recipe collection.
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Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A classic Green Bean Casserole featuring tender blanched green beans in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. This comforting side dish blends savory flavors of sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a creamy sauce enhanced with Worcestershire and soy sauces. Perfectly baked until bubbly and broiled for a crunchy finish, this casserole serves as a delicious holiday or family dinner staple.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms (cremini, baby bella, or white), sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 teaspoon garlic flakes)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Blanch Green Beans: Preheat a large pot of salted water to boiling. Blanch the trimmed green beans in the boiling water for 5-8 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped onion and continue cooking until softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil to activate the thickening. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Bake: Add the blanched green beans to the sauce and stir well to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbling. Finish by broiling for 2-3 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Blanching green beans ensures they remain vibrant and crisp without becoming mushy after baking.
- Feel free to substitute vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- The broiling step adds a desirable crunch to the topping; watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftover casserole reheats well in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
