There’s a certain comfort in the bubbling anticipation of a green bean casserole coming together, especially when you know it’s made from scratch. I had been yearning for something that didn’t scream ‘box and can’ but instead spoke of fresh ingredients and heartfelt cooking. That’s when I decided to whip up this creamy green bean casserole, a delicious twist on the classic holiday dish.
Imagine vibrant green beans nestled in a velvety mushroom sauce, crowned with a crispy, golden topping that adds texture and crunch. This version is not just a feast for the senses; it’s healthier than its canned counterpart, ensuring that your festive table is filled with love and wholesome goodness. Plus, with options to make it gluten-free or vegan, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all dietary preferences. So, whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just craving a taste of home, this creamy green bean casserole will surely satisfy!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
Comforting Innovation: This recipe reinvents a classic dish using fresh ingredients that emphasize wholesome flavors instead of canned alternatives.
Hearty and Creamy: The luscious mushroom sauce envelops each green bean, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Customizable Options: Whether you’re vegan or gluten-free, this casserole can be easily adapted to suit everyone’s dietary needs!
Quick and Easy: Prepared in under an hour, it’s a time-saver perfect for busy home cooks looking to impress without the stress.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dinners, your guests will be asking for seconds of this beloved comfort food!
Creamy Green Bean Casserole Ingredients
• For a homemade version you’ll love!
For the Casserole
- Green Beans – Fresh, vibrant vegetables that provide structure and flavor. Note: Trim and halve for even cooking.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables. Prep Note: Use for cooking mushrooms and crispy onions.
- Cremini Mushrooms – Base for the creamy sauce, adding umami. Substitution: Can use button mushrooms if unavailable.
- Tamari – Provides depth and saltiness to the sauce. Substitution: Soy sauce can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
- Garlic – Enhances flavor in the mushroom sauce. Prep Note: Mince for better distribution.
- Fresh Thyme – Adds aroma and freshness to the sauce. Note: Dried thyme can be used in a pinch, but fresh is recommended for best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the mushroom sauce. Substitution: Gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Milk – Creates a creamy texture in the sauce. Substitution: Any type of milk can be used; oat milk works well for dairy-free options.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds tanginess to the sauce. Note: A key flavor component, don’t omit if possible.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds creaminess and richness. Substitution: Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option.
For the Topping
- French Fried Onions – Provide crunch and flavor on top. Substitution: Homemade crispy baked onions can be prepared for a fresher alternative.
This creamy green bean casserole from scratch is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
How to Make Creamy Green Bean Casserole
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Prepare Onions: Thinly slice onions and toss them with olive oil, flour, salt, and panko. Spread on baking sheets and roast at 450°F for 25-35 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
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Blanch Green Beans: Boil a large pot of salted water; add green beans and cook for 4 minutes. Drain them and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Dry thoroughly on a towel.
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Make Mushroom Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté cremini mushrooms for 8-10 minutes until they are soft. Add tamari, minced garlic, and fresh thyme; stir in flour, then slowly add milk and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of pepper.
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Assemble Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread about ⅓ of the creamy mushroom sauce. Layer in the blanched green beans, top with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle crispy baked onions over the top.
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Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
Optional: Drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving for added richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before sealing to avoid excess moisture.
- Freezer: If you want to make it ahead, freeze the casserole without the crispy topping for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If it was frozen, allow extra time.
- Crispy Topping: Consider storing the crispy onions separately at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crunch. Add them just before serving the casserole for optimal texture.
Expert Tips for Creamy Green Bean Casserole
- Watch the Onions: Keep a close eye on the crispy topping; if they brown too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil to prevent burning.
- Thicken Wisely: Ensure your mushroom sauce simmers long enough to achieve the desired creamy consistency—too much liquid can result in a soupy casserole.
- Green Bean Prep: Blanching the green beans is crucial. It maintains their vibrant color and prevents them from becoming mushy when baked in the casserole.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a vegan creamy green bean casserole, omit the cheese and opt for plant-based milk while adjusting seasoning accordingly.
- Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning with salt and pepper; it enhances the dish’s flavors, making each bite delightful!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Green Bean Casseroles from Scratch are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions to assemble the dish, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. To maintain quality, store the crispy baked onions separately so they stay crunchy. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat the oven to 350°F, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through, and sprinkle on the prepared onions just before serving. With this prep, you can enjoy a homemade classic with minimal effort on the day of your gathering!
What to Serve with Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch?
The delightful aromas of this homemade dish invite you to create a full, heartwarming meal centered around fresh ingredients.
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Roasted Chicken: A succulent roast chicken pairs beautifully, with its juicy flavors complementing the creamy richness of the casserole.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Silky mashed potatoes bring a comforting texture, soaking up the mushroom sauce’s flavors beautifully.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: These sweet carrots add a fresh, vibrant touch, enhancing the savory notes of the green bean casserole.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the creaminess, balancing the richness of the dish perfectly.
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Stuffing: A fluffy stuffing made with fresh herbs provides earthy flavors that harmonize with your casserole’s comforting ingredients.
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Apple Crisp: End your meal on a sweet note with a warm apple crisp; its cinnamon-spiced goodness is a satisfying contrast to the savory casserole.
These pairings create an inviting dining experience, perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions!
Creamy Green Bean Casserole Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your casserole to suit your taste and dietary needs!
- Vegan: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a plant-based option.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure you’re using gluten-free soy or tamari sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms for a delightful variety and to pack in more nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the mushroom sauce for a hint of heat.
- Herb Twist: Try out different herbs such as sage or rosemary instead of thyme—these seasonal flavors will make your dish unique.
- Creamy Cheese: For a more decadent version, mix in some cream cheese or sour cream into the sauce before layering it with the green beans.
- Crunchy Topping: Stir in crushed garlic croutons alongside the crispy onions for an extra layer of texture.
- Layered Gourmet: Consider layering the casserole with a few slices of crispy cooked bacon or prosciutto for a smoky flavor that elevates this classic dish.
Let your culinary imagination soar while crafting this comforting casserole!
Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch Recipe FAQs
What type of green beans should I use for this dish?
I recommend using fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant beans that are firm and snap easily. Avoid beans that have dark spots or are limp, as these are indicators of over-ripeness. If fresh beans are unavailable, you can use frozen green beans, but ensure they are thawed and drained before using them.
How should I store leftovers of the creamy green bean casserole?
Leftovers can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool completely before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole without the crispy topping; it will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
Can I freeze the creamy green bean casserole? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze it, prepare the casserole according to the instructions but do not add the crispy topping. Once assembled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual, adding the crispy onions just before serving for that delightful crunch.
What should I do if my mushroom sauce is too thin?
If your sauce ends up too thin, don’t worry! You can thicken it by creating a slurry. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to make a paste, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken. If you need an immediate fix, you can also let the sauce simmer a bit longer without adding milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Are there any ingredients in this casserole that might be an allergen?
Yes, this casserole contains common allergens such as dairy (in the form of Parmesan cheese) and gluten (if using regular all-purpose flour). For gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you’re making this dish vegan, simply omit the cheese and substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Always check labels on pre-packaged ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch with Crispy Topping
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thinly slice onions and toss them with olive oil, flour, salt, and panko. Spread on baking sheets and roast at 450°F for 25-35 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Boil a large pot of salted water; add green beans and cook for 4 minutes. Drain them and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Dry thoroughly on a towel.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté cremini mushrooms for 8-10 minutes until they are soft. Add tamari, minced garlic, and fresh thyme; stir in flour, then slowly add milk and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of pepper.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread about ⅓ of the creamy mushroom sauce. Layer in the blanched green beans, top with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle crispy baked onions over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and the onions are golden brown.