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Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Green Bean Casserole from Scratch - recipe card
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This from-scratch green bean casserole elevates the classic holiday side with fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy homemade fried onions. The beans stay tender-crisp, the sauce is rich and savory, and the onions add a satisfying crunch. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish without any bacon or alcohol.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the fried onions:
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • For the casserole:
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain well and set aside.
  2. While the beans blanch, prepare the fried onions: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour the buttermilk into another shallow dish. Dip the onion slices into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of onion sizzles immediately when dropped in. Fry the onions in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
  4. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, then add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Add the blanched green beans to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly for easier serving.
  10. Note: If you prefer not to fry the onions, you can bake them: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sliced onions with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 cup flour, spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until crispy. Use as topping.
  11. For a make-ahead option: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the fried onions and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
  12. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the beans and sauce may become mushy.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Freezing not recommended. For a crispier topping, add fried onions in the last 10 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, from scratch, homemade, mushroom sauce, fried onions, Thanksgiving side, holiday recipe, no bacon, vegetarian, creamy casserole, fresh green beans, baked casserole

Find it online: https://gordonramsayeats.com/green-bean-casserole-from-scratch/