Homemade Green Bean Casserole – A Classic Holiday Side Dish
Green bean casserole is a must-have dish at holiday gatherings, and this homemade version takes it to the next level. Made with fresh green beans and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, this recipe is far superior to the traditional canned soup version. The crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, making this dish both comforting and full of flavor.
Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special dinner, this casserole will impress your guests with its fresh ingredients and homemade taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made from scratch – No canned soup, just fresh ingredients and homemade sauce.
- Creamy and flavorful – A rich mushroom sauce coats every bite.
- Perfectly crisp topping – Buttery breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese create a golden crust.
- Great for gatherings – Serves a crowd and can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or regular)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Green Beans
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Drain and transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for 5 minutes, then drain well and place them in a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Mushroom Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms and onions, cooking for 4-6 minutes until soft.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter until melted, then add the garlic and flour, cooking for 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the broth and milk, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat.
- Pour the sauce over the green beans, tossing gently to coat them evenly.
3. Make the Crispy Topping
- In a small bowl, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil after 25 minutes.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Preparing in Advance
- Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance (without the breadcrumb topping) and refrigerate.
- Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, add the topping, and increase the bake time by 10-15 minutes.
Storing Leftovers
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freezing Option
- Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate when reheated.
Customization Options
- Use Frozen Green Beans: Skip the boiling step—just thaw to room temperature and drain well before adding to the dish. Avoid canned beans for the best texture.
- Crispy Fried Onion Topping: Swap the breadcrumbs for 1 cup of crispy fried onions, adding them in the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra crunchy finish.
- Homemade Breadcrumbs: For a fresher taste, pulse 4 slices of whole wheat bread in a food processor, then bake at 300°F for 15 minutes, stirring once.
What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole
This classic dish pairs well with a variety of holiday and comfort food favorites:
- Roast Turkey or Chicken – A perfect side dish for a festive meal.
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy – A creamy and hearty combination.
- Cranberry Sauce – A sweet and tangy contrast to the savory casserole.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls – Ideal for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This homemade green bean casserole is a true classic with a fresh and flavorful twist. The creamy mushroom sauce, combined with crisp green beans and a golden breadcrumb topping, makes it a standout dish for any holiday or special meal.
Skip the canned ingredients and make this from scratch—your guests will taste the difference!
Short Version
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
This homemade green bean casserole is made from scratch with fresh green beans and a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a must-have side dish for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. Topped with a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb topping, this casserole is packed with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or regular)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for about 4 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes to stop cooking. Drain well and place in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce:
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onion, cooking for 4-6 minutes until soft.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter until melted, then add garlic and flour, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Gradually add broth, milk, salt, and pepper, stirring until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and pour over green beans, tossing to coat evenly.
- Prepare Topping: Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and mix it with breadcrumbs. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until hot and bubbly. If the topping browns too quickly, cover with foil after 25 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance (without the breadcrumb topping) and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, add the topping, and extend the bake time by 10-15 minutes.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
