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Green Bean Casserole for a Crowd

Green Bean Casserole for a Crowd - recipe card
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This classic green bean casserole features tender green beans in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. It’s the perfect comforting side dish for holidays and large gatherings, made without bacon or alcohol for a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 medium onions, finely diced
  • 24 oz cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 3 cups crispy fried onions, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Cook the green beans in 2 batches for 5-6 minutes each, until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain well and pat dry.
  2. In a Dutch oven or deep 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 7-8 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add mushrooms and cook for 12-15 minutes, until they release their liquid and it evaporates. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 4-6 minutes, until sauce thickens and bubbles.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the crispy fried onions and the green beans. Mix until well coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a deep 9×13-inch baking dish (at least 3 inches deep) or a 5-quart casserole, spreading evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until onions are golden and crisp.
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the green beans and fried onions will deteriorate. Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through. For best results, add fresh crispy onions before reheating to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, green bean casserole for a crowd, easy green bean casserole, creamy green bean casserole, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving side dish, mushroom green bean casserole, no bacon, no alcohol, crowd-pleasing side, baked casserole, vegetarian side dish

Find it online: https://gordonramsayeats.com/green-bean-casserole-for-a-crowd/