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If you’re craving a classic comfort dish with a delightful twist, this Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, velvety sauce mingles perfectly with tender green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and the irresistible crunch of fried onions, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will quickly become a staple on your dinner table. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish brings warmth, freshness, and a tasty sprinkle of nostalgia all in one hearty casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe lies in its straightforward and pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering flavor and texture. Every element, from the fresh green beans to the crispy fried onions, works together seamlessly to build this delightful dish.
- Fresh green beans (2 pounds): Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces for the perfect tender-crisp bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a silky base for sautéing the aromatics and mushrooms.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Provides sweetness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Offers a gentle pungency that enhances the savory mushrooms.
- Button or cremini mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Bring earthiness and a meaty texture to the casserole.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the sauce for that decadent, creamy consistency.
- Half & half (2 cups): Creates a luscious smoothness without too much heaviness.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1 cup): Adds savory umami depth and balances the creaminess.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle umami boost that makes the flavor profile pop.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and spice to the creamy sauce.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): A warm, aromatic note that complements the creamy base beautifully.
- Crispy fried onions (1½ cups): The crowning glory that adds an addictive crunch and golden color on top.
How to Make Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans and let them cook for just 2 to 3 minutes—this blanching step helps them retain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture. Then, quickly plunge the beans into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve that lovely freshness. Drain and set aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
In a large skillet, melt your butter over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the finely chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, letting its fragrant aroma infuse the pan, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cook everything together for 5 to 7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and brown slightly, developing an irresistible depth of flavor.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mushroom mixture, stirring constantly to coat everything well. Cooking the flour for 1 to 2 minutes helps eliminate any raw taste, setting the stage for a silky sauce. Gradually whisk in the broth and half & half, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Now, add the soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and that warm hint of nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens into a luscious, velvety consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In your 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine the blanched green beans with the creamy mushroom sauce and half a cup of crispy fried onions. Mix everything together right in the dish, making sure those green beans get coated beautifully. Spread this mixture out evenly for a perfect bake.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions generously over the top—this will give you that signature golden crunch. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce bubbles happily and the onions turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets just right.
How to Serve Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh finish, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives atop the casserole right before serving. Their bright color and subtle herbaceous flavor add a lovely contrast to the creamy richness and crispy sweetness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a juicy grilled steak. For a full meal, consider serving alongside mashed potatoes or a simple quinoa salad to balance comfort with lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve individual portions of the Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe in elegant ramekins and sprinkle a little extra fried onion on top just before presenting. You could even add a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious touch that amplifies the mushroom flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they meld together, but the crispy fried onions might soften, so you can add fresh onions when reheating for that original crunch.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To maintain the texture of the onions, it’s best to freeze the casserole without the topping and add fresh crispy fried onions after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm and bubbly, usually around 15 to 20 minutes. If you like, add fresh crispy fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to revive that signature golden crunch.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
While canned green beans are convenient, fresh beans will give you the best texture and flavor in this Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe. If you’re short on time, steam fresh frozen green beans and blot them dry before using.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that doesn’t skimp on flavor or creaminess.
How do I get the crispy fried onions extra crunchy?
For extra crunch, add fresh fried onions on top right before serving or bake the casserole uncovered at the end to crisp them up. You can even toast onions in the oven for a few minutes if they lose their crunch during storage.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute the half & half with your favorite plant-based cream alternatives like oat cream or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter to keep it dreamy and creamy while making it suitable for those avoiding dairy.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?
Reheat gently in the oven covered with foil to keep moisture in, then uncover at the end to crisp up the topping. Adding a splash of broth or cream before reheating can refresh the sauce’s creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a homemade Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe that makes any meal feel special. It’s warm, comforting, and simply satisfying in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to come back to again and again, whether it’s holiday season or a quiet weeknight dinner. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy mouthful!
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Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features fresh green beans smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect crunchy finish. A comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 2 pounds fresh green beans (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Make Sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and the half & half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add soy sauce, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Combine Green Beans and Sauce: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add the blanched green beans, the creamy mushroom sauce, and ½ cup of crispy fried onions. Mix everything together directly in the dish until the green beans are evenly coated in the sauce. Spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the fried onions on top have turned a beautiful golden brown. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Blanching the green beans helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture in the baked casserole.
- You can use either chicken broth or vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegetarian if desired.
- For an extra crispy topping, you may add more fried onions before serving.
- This casserole can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bake it just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
