Homemade Green Bean Casserole

A Homemade Green Bean Casserole that is creamy, full of flavor, and topped with a crispy onion topping!

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

I know, I know you’re probably thinking Thanksgiving dishes already?!?!  Is she crazy!!??

No, I am just getting ahead of the game and plus you don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving just to eat this delicious completely homemade green bean casserole!!

Why is that anyway??  Why do we reserve certain dishes like pumpkin pie, green bean casserole, roasted turkey or stuffing only for one day a year???

I have made it a goal over the past couple of years to at the very least roast a turkey more than just at Thanksgiving.  I usually by a few extra turkeys when they are on sale and keep them handy in the freezer.

I like to keep them toward the top of the pile that way every time I get into the freezer I see one and think I really need to make a turkey dinner next week!

Green Bean Casserole without Mushroom Soup

I don’t get all super fancy like a traditional Thanksgiving meal, just a few basics like mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and usually a pumpkin pie for dessert.  (Mostly because it is one of my husbands favorite desserts)

Now, back to this green bean casserole.  Yes, it will take a few more steps than the usual green bean casserole that uses that cream of soup, but if you are looking to get away from those soups you are probably willing to take a few extra steps.

I chose to use frozen green beans to make it a little easier.  I have also made it with fresh and they worked well too.  Just trim and cut into small pieces and blanch for 5 minutes.  I don’t bother with the ice bath either, but you do what best fits your lifestyle though. 🙂

Start by making the creamy mushroom sauce.  I love this sauce and it has basically replaced any store bought can of cream of mushroom!!

French Fried Onions

To make the sauce you will brown the mushrooms and onions to develop their flavor then sprinkle with some seasoned flour (it’s all in the recipe, don’t worry 🙂 ) and whisk in the broth and half and half.  Simmer until thickened and you will have a wonderfully thick and creamy homemade mushroom soup!

I am using half and half because I wanted a rich creamy sauce for this dish.  You could lighten it up but it will change the flavor and possibly the consistency of the sauce some.

After the sauce has been made stir in the green beans and pop it into the oven.  While that bakes it’s time to make the crispy onions.  I went a completely homemade route here but if the thought of adding this extra step is just too much just use that can of fried onions and I won’t tell!!

When it comes out of the oven top the casserole with the fried onions and you’re ready to serve!!

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Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Prep Time

25 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

A Homemade Green Bean Casserole that is creamy, full of flavor, and topped with a crispy onion topping!

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 -8

Calories: 209 kcal

Author: Countryside Cravings

Ingredients

• CRISPY ONION TOPPING:
• 1/2 small onion thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• oil for frying
• GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE:
• 1-1 1/2 pounds frozen green beans thawed and drained
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 8 oz baby portabella mushrooms chopped or sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 large cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup half and half

Instructions

1. In a small bowl combine the flour, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper for the crispy onions and set aside. Place onions in milk to soak and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large oven safe skillet melt the butter over medium high heat. Add in the mushrooms and onion and cook until lightly browned (about 3-5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Now take the reserved flour mixture and remove 3 tablespoons from it and sprinkle over the mushrooms. Set remaining flour mixture aside for the onions. Stir in the flour then while stirring slowly pour in the broth and half and half. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Stir in green beans then bake for 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
3. CRISPY ONION TOPPING:
4. This can be made a day in advance or while the casserole is baking.
5. Heat a small pot of oil for frying the onions in over medium to medium high heat.
6. Take onions out of milk and coat in remaining flour mixture a little at a time. Carefully fry in hot oil a few at a time taking care not to crown the pan. Fry until lightly golden and drain on paper towel.
7. When casserole is done baking top with your crispy fried onions and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

1. Nutrition Facts: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate.
2. Feel free to use canned fried onions too!

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Amount Per Serving

Calories 209 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 7g44%

Cholesterol 32mg11%

Sodium 433mg19%

Potassium 509mg15%

Carbohydrates 22g7%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 1180IU24%

Vitamin C 18.8mg23%

Calcium 101mg10%

Iron 1.9mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.