If you’re on the hunt for a classic dish that effortlessly combines comfort and elegance, this Creamy Mushroom Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s such a warm, inviting side that showcases tender green beans enveloped in a luscious mushroom sauce, all crowned with irresistibly crispy fried onions. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts, this casserole brings a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to dishes whenever you want something cozy yet impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal — from the fresh green beans’ crispness to the silky sauce and crunchy onion topping.
- Fresh green beans: Use 2 pounds, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces for the perfect bite-sized veggies with a vibrant color.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons to sauté the aromatics and bring richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Yellow onion: One medium, finely chopped for a sweet, mellow onion base that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: 3 minced, adding a subtle zing that lifts the earthiness of mushrooms.
- Button or cremini mushrooms: 8 ounces sliced, these create the creamy, savory heart of this casserole.
- All-purpose flour: A ¼ cup to thicken the luscious mushroom sauce while keeping it smooth and velvety.
- Half & half: 2 cups, bringing creaminess and body without making the dish too heavy.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 1 cup for depth and a hint of savoriness that elevates the sauce.
- Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon adds umami that enhances every bite without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: ½ teaspoon each to season perfectly and balance all the tastes.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a ¼ teaspoon to provide a warm, subtle spice note that complements the creamy sauce.
- Crispy fried onions: 1½ cups are essential for that irresistible crunchy topping and even a bit mixed inside for extra texture contrast.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a bright, gorgeous green and are slightly tender but still have a bit of snap. Immediately plunge them into ice water to halt cooking and preserve that beautiful color and texture. Drain well and set aside — this is your fresh, crisp veggie foundation.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it’s wonderfully softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, then cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the mushrooms release moisture and start to brown, creating a deep, savory flavor base that forms the soul of the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat everything. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, which removes the raw flavor of the flour and helps thicken your sauce later. Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and half & half, stirring constantly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce. Add the soy sauce, salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg for that subtle warm depth. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich, velvety dream.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and add the blanched green beans, the creamy mushroom sauce, and half a cup of the crispy fried onions. Mix everything thoroughly right in the dish so every bean is coated with that luscious mushroom goodness. Then, spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish — this will ensure every bite is a perfect balance of creamy sauce and tender beans.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Scatter the remaining crispy fried onions generously over the top to create that coveted golden-brown crust. Pop the dish into your preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When the sauce is bubbling and the onions have turned a beautiful crisp golden color, your casserole is ready. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Garnishes
While the crispy fried onions on top provide amazing texture, you can add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and bright freshness. A light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can also add a subtle savory kick that complements the mushroom sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy mushroom green bean casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken for a well-rounded meal. For a vegetarian twist, try serving it alongside a hearty quinoa salad or garlic mashed potatoes for extra comfort. The rich flavors and creamy texture balance out simple mains perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation or layer the casserole in a clear glass dish so everyone can see those vibrant green beans and golden onions. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top for crunch variation and a nutty flavor that’s unexpectedly delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Creamy Mushroom Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the onions crispy, you might want to add a fresh sprinkle of fried onions just before reheating.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Freeze it before baking in a freezer-safe dish, covered tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra time until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the topping from burning and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For extra crispy onions, add a fresh layer on top in the last 5 minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh green beans are best for texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use canned green beans. Just be sure to drain them well and reduce added salt elsewhere since canned beans can be salty.
What can I substitute for half & half?
If you don’t have half & half, a mix of milk and heavy cream (equal parts) works perfectly to create that same creamy consistency. Alternatively, whole milk or a plant-based milk cream blend can be used, but the sauce might be less rich.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the casserole vegetarian. Double-check that your crispy fried onions contain no animal products if strict vegetarianism is needed.
How do I make my crispy fried onions extra crunchy?
For the best crunch, add half of your fried onions into the mixture and reserve the rest to sprinkle on top just before baking. If you want, you can also lightly toast the onions in a dry skillet for a minute or two before topping the casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole a day ahead?
Absolutely. You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Just add the final layer of crispy fried onions before baking the next day for the perfect golden crust.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Creamy Mushroom Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions Recipe enough. It’s comforting, flavorful, and impressively easy to pull together, making it a star at any meal. Whether you’re feeding family, enjoying a holiday feast, or just craving something cozy, this casserole hits all the right notes. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite dishes to make and share.
Print
Creamy Mushroom Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features tender green beans enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions baked to golden perfection. A comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
Dairy & Broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings & Flour
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Toppings
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Add flour to make roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste while allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Make the creamy sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth followed by the half & half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add soy sauce, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine green beans and sauce: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add the blanched green beans, mushroom sauce, and half a cup of crispy fried onions. Mix everything together thoroughly directly in the dish to evenly coat the green beans, then spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy, flavorful finish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the onions on top turn golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting green bean casserole!
Notes
- Using fresh green beans and blanching them helps keep their bright color and crisp texture.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can prepare the mushroom sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time.
- Crispy fried onions can be found pre-packaged or you can make your own by thinly slicing onions, breading, and frying them.
- To make the casserole gluten-free, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blends.
- Make sure the casserole cools slightly before serving to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
