Homemade Green Bean Casserole | Swanky Recipes (2024)

Savor the classic comfort of Homemade Green Bean Casserole, a side dish that wins over any crowd. Prepared with fresh green beans, a homemade creamy mushroom sauce, and a crunchy onion topping, this casserole is the ultimate blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for family dinners, it’s not only vegetarian-friendly but can also be easily adapted to be gluten-free.

Fresh green beans are the star of this dish, blanched to a tender-crisp perfection. The mushroom sauce is a rich, homemade concoction that outshines any canned version while being easy and hassle free to make, while the crispy onion topping adds the necessary crunch factor that so many desire. This green bean casserole recipe is a wholesome alternative to the classic, made with real ingredients and full of homemade goodness.

What is Green Bean Casserole?

Green bean casserole is a popular dish in the United States, especially around Thanksgiving. It typically consists of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French-fried onions. This homemade version is much different than canned soup. The fresh, from-scratch mushroom sauce delivers a more vibrant and less processed taste.

The dish was originally created by the Campbell Soup Company in the 1950s and has since become a staple at holiday gatherings. Its creamy texture and savory flavor profile make it a beloved side that pairs excellently with a variety of main courses.

While a popular side dish recipe for Thanksgiving in many states and regions across the United States, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Maine, and New Hampshire make up the top 6 states who make this hot dish recipe year after year.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Green Bean Casserole has a freshness and depth of flavor that store-bought versions often lack. Using fresh green beans really make a difference and a homemade mushroom sauce elevates the dish from a simple casserole to an impressive side. The crispy onion topping, made from scratch or purchased for convenience, adds the final touch to this satisfying casserole alongside buttery panko breadcrumbs.

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

1. Blanch Green Beans: Cook fresh green beans in boiling water until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and plunge them into ice water to halt the cooking process.
2. Create Mushroom Sauce: Sauté mushrooms, garlic, and seasoning to make a thick and creamy sauce, enriched with a splash of cream.
3. Combine and Bake: Toss the green beans in the mushroom sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and top with crispy onions. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Keeping Green Beans Fresh Before Cooking

Store fresh green beans in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed inside a plastic bag. They’ll keep crisp for several days.

⭐彡 Tip: While at the grocery store, fill a produce bag with green beans. Weigh it on a scale nearby. Aim for just over two pounds. Once you’re ready to make the recipe, give the green beans a good rinse under the water then trim the ends off of each green bean.

Ingredients in Homemade Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
• Mushrooms: Choose your favorite variety for the sauce. I like to buy sliced brown or white mushrooms then chop then even more before making the cream of mushroom.
• Cream: Adds richness to the mushroom sauce.
• Crispy Onions: For the classic crunchy topping.

Where Can I Find Fresh Green Beans? Fresh green beans are readily available at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or your local produce stand. Look for firm, vibrant green beans without any brown spots or limpness. In addition, remove any small, thin, limp, or brown beans from the haul before adding them to the pot to boil.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add to this Dish?

• Carrots
• Red bell pepper
• Peas
• Corn

Adding other vegetables can enhance the nutritional value and color of the casserole.

Homemade Green Bean Casserole Topped with Crispy Onions For a golden, crispy top, sprinkle a generous amount of fried onions over your casserole before baking.

Variations of Green Bean Casserole This versatile dish can be tailored to various dietary needs or preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and gluten-free fried onions.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute cream with your choice of non-dairy milk.
• Vegan: Use plant-based cream and omit or find a vegan alternative for the crispy onions.
• Bacon: We love to add freshly cooked and chopped bacon to the dish. Living in Wisconsin, a lot of folks like to add bacon for flavor, text, saltiness, and taste.
• Cheese: Another favorite variation, freshly grated parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, or mozzarella cheese added to the mix is a huge hit.

Baking Whole Green Bean Casserole For a rustic and hearty version, leave the green beans whole. It creates an elegant presentation suitable for formal dinners.

Cooking Directions for Baking Whole Green Bean Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the Casserole: Assemble the casserole with whole green beans, homemade mushroom sauce, and onions.
3. Bake: Cook until the sauce is bubbling and the onions are browned.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Other Recipes that Pair Well with Homemade Green Bean Casserole

• Roast Turkey
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Cranberry Sauce
• Savory Herb Stuffing
• Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
• Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad

Homemade Green Bean Casserole brings a personal touch to any meal, especially during the holidays, making it a dish that’s truly worth celebrating.