From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Best Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe: Nan Would Be Proud!

By Marcus O’NeillJune 19, 2025

Want the best green bean casserole recipe ever? This elevated classic swaps canned soup for homemade mushroom sauce & those *other* onions for crispy shallots! Ready to wow? ... Seasonal & Sustainable Cooking

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From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Best Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Ever had a dish that just screams comfort food? well, get ready, because i'm about to share my secret weapon for the best green bean casserole recipe ever.

Honestly, this one is a game changer.

A Classic Reimagined

This isn't your grandma's green bean casserole... well, it could be, if your grandma was a michelin-star chef! we're talking classic green bean casserole goodness, but totally elevated.

It's a dish with origins from the united states, it's easy to adapt and change, giving everyone the opportunity to innovate!.

This recipe sits at a medium difficulty and takes about an hour to make. it serves 6-8 people, so plenty for sharing.

Why You'll Fall in Love

Forget boring sides! this elevated green bean casserole recipe is a nutritional powerhouse with fresh green beans. making the mushroom sauce from scratch makes a big difference.

You can taste every bit of love, trust me, you won't regret it. perfect for a thanksgiving feast or any dinner craving some serious comfort.

It's special because its simple, but the result is a show stopper.

Get Ready to Gather Your Goodies

Right, so first things first. you're going to need some fresh green beans. we're talking about 1.5 lbs. a bit of olive oil will also be handy.

Salt and pepper? obviously! now, about that mushroom sauce...

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

So, you fancy making the best green bean casserole recipe ? awesome! let's chat about what you'll need. honestly, it's not rocket science, but using good quality stuff makes a huge difference.

Get ready to ditch that canned soup and make a classic green bean casserole like never before.

What You'll Need: Main Ingredients

Here's what you need to make this gourmet green bean casserole recipe sing. I’ve tried to find substitutions for most items to make this easier.

Fresh Green Beans: 1.5 lbs (680g) is perfect. They should be bright green and snap when you bend them. No floppy beans, please!
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Nothing fancy, just a decent everyday oil.
Salt & Pepper: To taste. Go easy on the salt at first; you can always add more.
Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp (56g) . Real butter, not that spread stuff.
Yellow Onion: 1 large (approx. 1 cup / 150g) , finely chopped. Brown onions are ok, but yellow is classic.
Cremini Mushrooms: 1 lb (454g) , sliced. These give great flavour. Chestnut mushrooms will also do, but avoid the white ones if you can.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The fresher, the better!
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . Plain flour does the job.
Vegetable Broth: 2 cups (475ml) . Good quality stock is key here. Chicken broth works too if you're not veggie.
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Double cream is what you're after.
Dry Sherry: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Totally optional but adds a lovely depth. Don't sweat it if you don't have any; white wine vinegar would work.
Ground Nutmeg & Thyme: 1/4 tsp each . Don’t skip these!
Shallots: 3 large , thinly sliced. If you can't find these, thin slices of sweet onions will do.
Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Sunflower or canola is fine.
Salt: 1/4 tsp . for the shallots.

Essential Flavor Magic

Honestly, it's all about the combo of thyme, nutmeg, and sherry (if using). this is what makes the mushroom sauce for this elevated green bean casserole recipe so good.

Don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Gear You'll Need

No need for a kitchen gadget splurge. Here’s the bare minimum.

Large Pot: For blanching. Think pasta-cooking size.
Large Skillet: For the sauce. A frying pan will work just fine.
9x13 inch Baking Dish: Any similar size is ok.
Slotted Spoon: For fishing out those golden shallots.
Paper Towels: For draining the fried shallots. Crispy shallots are so important in a crispy shallot green bean casserole . Honestly, they make the dish!

Right then, that's the kit list sorted. Next up, we’ll get cooking!

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Best Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Honestly, who doesn't love a good green bean casserole? but let's be real, that canned soup version... well, it's seen better days.

I'm gonna share my own version of the best green bean casserole recipe . my gourmet green bean casserole recipe will impress even the most discerning palates.

Forget everything you know, we're making it from scratch!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first: mise en place , people! get your 1.5 lbs of fresh green beans , trimmed and ready.

Chop that onion (one large), slice the mushrooms (1 lb), and mince two cloves of garlic. for those shallots (three large), thinly slice them.

Having everything ready saves time, trust me. it takes roughly 30 minutes. it is also very important for safety.

Step-by-Step: Baking the best ever green bean casserole

This isn’t rocket science, but a bit of love makes all the difference.

Blanch the fresh green beans for about 3 minutes in boiling, salted water. Straight into an ice bath.
Fry the shallots in 1/2 cup of oil until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with salt. Drain on paper towels. Keep a close eye, they burn easily .
Sauté the chopped onion in 4 tbsp of butter until soft. Add the mushrooms and garlic. Cook until browned.
Stir in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1 minute . Whisk in 2 cups of vegetable broth gradually. Simmer till thickened.
Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 2 tbsp of sherry (if using), 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp of thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss the green beans with the mushroom sauce in a baking dish. Use a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20 minutes .
Top with crispy shallots and bake for another 5- 10 minutes .

Pro Tips for an elevated green bean casserole recipe

Don't overcook the beans. we want snap, not mush. brown the mushrooms in batches. this ensures maximum flavour. homemade mushroom sauce really elevates this classic.

Seriously, it changes everything. this classic green bean casserole will become a family favourite.

And there you have it. the best green bean casserole . i made this for thanksgiving, and greenbean casserole recipe saved the day.

Give it a go and tell me what you think. this dish is great for thanksgiving side dishes and any other time you want to impress.

My green bean casserole easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser. if you are looking for a homemade green bean casserole from scratch this is the recipe for you.

Recipe Notes for the Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Right then, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to make sure your best green bean casserole recipe turns out absolutely top-notch.

I've made my fair share of these over the years (christmas dinner, anyone?) so i've picked up a few tricks along the way.

Honestly, even nans will ask for the recipe!. you know? the devil is in the details, innit.

Serving Suggestions: The Plating Game

Alright, presentation matters, even with comfort food! for a rustic vibe, serve straight from the baking dish. i like to sprinkle extra crispy shallots on top just before serving.

It looks proper fancy. alternatively, for a more polished look, portion it out onto plates alongside your roast and mashed potatoes.

A little sprig of thyme adds a nice touch. for drinks? a crisp white wine or even a sparkling elderflower cordial goes down a treat.

Think elevated pub lunch.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

This classic green bean casserole is best enjoyed fresh, honestly. but leftovers? no worries. pop it in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.

Freezing isn't ideal because of the creamy sauce. it can get a bit weird after thawing. to reheat, bung it in the oven at 175° c ( 350° f) until piping hot.

A quick zap in the microwave works too, if you're in a rush.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a change? for a vegan version , swap the butter for olive oil and the cream for plant-based cream (oat or cashew works well).

Also, be sure your broth is vegetable-based!. need a gluten-free option? use a gluten-free flour blend in the mushroom sauce and make sure your broth is gluten-free.

And if it is the festive season, cranberries are always a great addition.

Nutrition Basics: What's What

Okay, let's keep it simple. each serving of this homemade green bean casserole from scratch clocks in around 320 calories .

It's got a decent amount of fiber (5g) thanks to the green beans. there's also a bit of protein (8g) and some healthy fats (22g) from the cream and shallots.

Do be aware that it has some sugar (7g) and sodium (400mg). it's a treat, not a health food, so enjoy it in moderation!

There you have it! Armed with these little nuggets of wisdom, you're ready to tackle the best ever green bean casserole . Now go forth and create something amazing. You've got this!

Thanksgiving Side Dishes: The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Secret

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the best green bean casserole recipe ahead of time? Like, properly ahead?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (up to the point of topping it with the crispy shallots) a day or two in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, and then bake as directed when you're ready. Add the shallots during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. This is a great way to break up the cooking if you're like me and like to plan like clocork.

How do I stop my green bean casserole from being watery? Nobody likes a soggy bottom!

Nobody does! To avoid a watery casserole, ensure your green beans are properly drained after blanching. Also, make sure your mushroom sauce has thickened sufficiently on the stovetop before baking. Simmering the sauce until it reaches a nice, coating consistency will prevent excess moisture from releasing during baking.

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Are there any lighter alternatives I can make to this best green bean casserole recipe?

Definitely! You can reduce the amount of butter and cream in the mushroom sauce, or even substitute with lighter alternatives like olive oil and unsweetened plant-based cream (try oat or cashew). Using a lower-sodium vegetable broth will also help. Roasting the green beans instead of blanching can intensify their flavor, allowing you to use less sauce overall.

My crispy fried shallots always burn! Any tips for getting them just right with this green bean casserole recipe?

Ah, the bane of many a cook's existence! The key is to slice the shallots thinly and evenly, and fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oil just before they reach your desired color, as they will continue to darken as they cool on the paper towels. A splash of vinegar as you add them to the hot oil also does the trick.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh? I completely forgot to buy them...

While fresh green beans are preferred for their texture, you can absolutely use frozen in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the casserole. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming watery. Cut them into smaller pieces if you want to retain some texture.

How long does the green bean casserole last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?

Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal.