Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Why This Recipe Works

One of the best parts about making Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch is the focus on fresh ingredients. Using fresh green beans and sautéed mushrooms makes a huge difference in flavor. You won’t need any canned soups here, which often dull the taste. Instead, you create a sauce that’s rich and flavorful—definitely not something you can get out of a can.

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This version brings a homemade touch that many of us fondly remember from our childhood. It’s comforting and nostalgic, like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly day. Plus, when you make it from scratch, you know exactly what’s going into your dish, which is always a win in my book.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

The creamy texture of this casserole is pure comfort food perfection. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! It’s also versatile, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight meal or a holiday feast, this dish shines either way.

Moreover, this is a delightful twist on a classic recipe. It’s universal; everyone from picky eaters to gourmet chefs will enjoy this dish. You might just find it becomes a go-to in your home!

Ingredients for Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Baked “Fried” Onions:
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– ½ cup (62g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
– ¾ cup (45g) panko breadcrumbs
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk

Green Bean Casserole:
– 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon salt, divided
– 1 pound fresh green beans, rinsed, ends trimmed, and halved
– 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
– 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
– ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup (180ml) chicken or vegetable broth
– 1¼ cups (300ml) half-and-half

Preparing the Baked “Fried” Onions

Slice and Prepare the Onions

To start, thinly slice the onion and then separate the slices. This will help them cook evenly later.

Breading the Onion Coating

Next, get ready to bread those onions. In a small bowl, pour in the flour. In another medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Then, whisk the egg and milk in a third small bowl.

Bread the Onion Slices

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to bread the onions! Use one hand for the dry ingredients and another for the wet. First, dip the onion slices into the flour, followed by the egg mixture, and finally coat them in the panko. Once done, place them on a baking sheet and repeat until all slices are coated.

Baking the Onions

Now, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake those beautiful onion slices for about 20 minutes, flipping them twice during baking to ensure they become golden brown and crispy. Once they’re ready, set them aside for later.

Blanching the Green Beans

Boiling the Green Beans

For the green beans, begin by bringing 1 gallon of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the halved green beans and allow them to boil for about 5 minutes. This step helps keep them vibrant and tender.

Ice Bath Transition

While the beans are boiling, prepare a bowl of ice water nearby. Once 5 minutes are up, drain the beans and immediately drop them into the ice bath. This stops the cooking process, preserving their beautiful color and crunch. After a minute, drain the beans again and set them aside.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Sautéing the Mushrooms

In a medium-high heat skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Next, add the sliced mushrooms, along with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture, which should take around 5 minutes.

Add Garlic and Thicken

After the mushrooms are perfectly cooked, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Once fragrant, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour on top and stir this mixture until well combined. Allow the flour to absorb some moisture—this will help thicken your sauce later.

Pour in the Broth and Cream

Now, gradually pour in ¾ cup of chicken or vegetable broth while stirring. Let this simmer for about 3 minutes. Then, reduce the heat and add 1¼ cups of half-and-half. Cook on medium-low heat until the sauce thickens, which should take around 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Combining Casserole Ingredients

Mix the Green Beans and Sauce

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in about a quarter of the baked onions and all of the blanched green beans until everything is well combined.

Baking the Casserole

If needed, transfer the mixture to a greased 2–3-quart casserole dish. Top it off with the remaining baked onions. Then, bake it in an oven preheated to 400°F (204°C) for about 15 minutes, or until you see bubbling edges, which indicates it’s ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Creamy Green Bean Casserole warm as a side dish for holiday meals or just a cozy family dinner. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats and even a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Tips for Success

• To achieve the best texture and flavor, always use fresh green beans.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, just simmer it a bit longer.

Variations

Love experimenting in the kitchen? Swap out green beans for other vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a twist. Or add a bit of cheese for extra richness, or even crushed breadcrumbs for that crunchy topping!

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven to keep that crispy onion topping intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes! You can use frozen green beans, but fresh is recommended for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it without topping and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for half-and-half?
A mixture of heavy cream and milk works well, or you could try a dairy-free alternative.

How do I make my casserole thicker?
To thicken the casserole, simply let it simmer longer before adding in the green beans, or increase the flour amount.

Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the clean, unbaked casserole. Just cover it well and you can bake it directly from the freezer; just keep an eye on the cooking time.

Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch beautifully merges nostalgia with fresh flavors. By preparing it at home, you set the stage for fulfilling gatherings and delightful family meals. Whipping up this dish might just make you the star of any dinner!

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