Homemade Green Bean Casserole

My chef’s perfected recipe for Green Bean Casserole, made from scratch with wholesome ingredients. Rich, savory, and full of flavor!

Why you’ll love this recipe for Green Bean Casserole

This classic green bean casserole recipe is cozy and comforting and sings of Thanksgiving. We make everything from scratch here and use fresh green beans for the best texture. And the texture is everything in this traditional Thanksgiving side dish! We also have our vegan green bean casserole.

Green Bean Casserole Ingredients

• Fresh green beans: The star of the dish! We prefer the texture of American green beans in this dish versus French green beans (haricot vert), though both will work. Trim and cut in half.
• Onion or shallots: To add savory depth to the casserole.
• Butter: To add richness to the gravy.
• Mushrooms: Most any mushrooms work here! Cremini mushrooms, shiitake, king oyster, portobello, button mushrooms, or a combo.
• Garlic: To add punchy flavor.
• Fresh thyme: Or sub fresh sage or rosemary.
• Salt and black pepper: To add flavor.
• All-purpose flour: To thicken the gravy- feel free to use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Chicken broth: Or use water and a boullion cube. Vegetable broth works too.
• Half and half: To add creaminess to the sauce. You can sub whole milk or plant-based milk.
• Crispy shallots or crispy onions: Either store-bought (fastest) or make your own- see recipe card!
• Optional: Lemon zest and a pinch of cayenne for tangy, zesty flavor.

Best Green Beans for Green Bean Casserole

For green bean casserole, American green beans are best. They have a hearty texture that holds up well during cooking and delivers the perfect bite. While you can use French green beans (haricot vert) as a substitute, they are more delicate and may not provide the same satisfying crunch. Always opt for fresh green beans when possible to achieve the best flavor and texture in this classic dish.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

1. Prep oven. Preheat to 350F.

2. Simmer green beans. Bring 12 cups of water to a boil in a large pot with a tablespoon of salt. Add green beans and simmer 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and rinse tender green beans with cold water and set aside.

3. Sauté veggies. At the same time, in a large skillet, warm oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onions, garlic, and thyme. Reduce heat as needed and sauté until tender. Season with kosher salt and pepper and set aside.

4. Prepare the gravy. Using the same pan, add butter and cook undisturbed over medium heat until lightly browned.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

Whisk in the broth, bring the sauce to a simmer, then whisk in half and half.

Season with salt and pepper and a pinch of cayenne. Add green beans and mushrooms and taste. Stir in lemon zest, which gives it a little brightness.

5. Bake. Transfer the green bean mixture and creamy mushroom sauce to a greased 8×8 baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Add crispy fried onions when there are 5 minutes left.

Green Bean Casserole Variations

• Breadcrumbs: Add crispy panko breadcrumbs as a topping if you’d like! The crispy shallots take the place of bread crumbs in this recipe, but you could easily substitute them.
• Cheese: If you’d like to make this casserole rich and cheesy, feel free to add some grated cheddar cheese to the gravy, or sprinkle parmesan cheese over top.
• Roasted garlic: Roast an entire garlic head, then add the roasted garlic cloves to the baking dish with the crispy onions.
• Bacon: If you’d like, add chopped pieces of crispy bacon or pancetta to the casserole.

Can you make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

To prep the green bean casserole in advance, simply prepare the green beans, veggies, and gravy, and assemble the casserole in the 8×8 baking dish. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days, bring to room temp, then bake for 20-25 minutes at 350F.

How far in advance can you make Green Bean Casserole?

We prefer to make this on the of or one day before; however, you can get away with assembling the green bean casserole 2-3 days in advance—which is ideal for Thanksgiving prep! Wrap tightly and place in the refrigerator, and remember to leave the crispy onions off until the last 5-10 minutes of baking!

What to eat with Green Bean Casserole

It goes without saying that Oven-Roasted Turkey and garlic mashed potatoes are lovely with this Thanksgiving classic. For other side dish ideas, check out our 65 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu Ideas!

How to Store Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

How long does Green Bean Casserole last in the fridge?

Leftover green bean casserole will keep for up to 4 days.

Can you Freeze Green Bean Casserole?

Yes! Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to reheat Green Bean Casserole

Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through, or toss on the skillet with a little oil. In a pinch, you can microwave it too.

Enjoy the Green Bean Casserole recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Sylvia

More Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins

Roasted Butternut Squash

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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