Name: Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. Fresh Green Beans (ends snapped off); 8 Tablespoons Salted Butter (divided); 1 Large Onion (chopped); 8 ounces Sliced Mushrooms; 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 2 1/2 cups Half n Half; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Pepper; 2 Tablespoons Flour or Cornstarch; 2 cups Fried Onions (such as French’s); 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (optional)

If there’s one side dish that steals the show every holiday, it’s Homemade Green Bean Casserole. This classic, old-fashioned casserole is cozy and festive at once, featuring tender green beans roasted in a creamy, from-scratch sauce, luscious sauteed mushrooms and onions, and topped with golden, crispy fried onions for that irresistible crunch. It’s as nostalgic as it is craveable, and making it from scratch means the flavors are brighter, the sauce silkier, and the whole pan tastes like pure comfort. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any Sunday dinner in need of something special, this Homemade Green Bean Casserole always earns rave reviews.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Green Bean Casserole lies in its simple, honest ingredients—each one chosen for its contribution to the dish’s rich flavor, inviting texture, and vibrant color spectrum. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh veggies, you can create a side that everyone will notice and love.

Fresh Green Beans: The heart of this casserole—bright, snappy, and full of vibrant color; be sure to snap off those ends for the perfect bite.
Salted Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps caramelize the onions and mushrooms, building big flavor from the first step.
Large Onion (chopped): Caramelized onions create a savory-sweet foundation that makes every bite interesting.
Sliced Mushrooms: Bring umami and earthiness—don’t skip them, even if you’re not a regular mushroom fan!
Garlic (minced): Adds a warm, aromatic depth that ties the sauce together perfectly.
Half n Half: This is essential for a thick, creamy sauce—don’t substitute with lighter dairy.
Salt & Pepper: Classic seasoning to make the other flavors pop—season generously but taste as you go.
Flour or Cornstarch: Thickens the luscious sauce so it hugs every bean; use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
Fried Onions: That signature crispy finish—pile them high for tradition, texture, and a bit of indulgence.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): For an extra layer of savory, nutty flavor that melts into the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Caramelize Onion & Sauté Mushrooms

Start by melting half of your butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chopped onion, and stir frequently—take your time here, letting the onions get beautifully golden and soft, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Toss in the mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and become tender, around 4 more minutes. The garlic goes in last, just for a minute to let its aroma bloom. Once everything smells incredible and your pan is filled with savory goodness, transfer this mixture to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet (less cleanup, more flavor!), melt your remaining butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour or cornstarch, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux; keep whisking for about 2 minutes so it loses its raw taste but doesn’t brown too much. Pour in the half n half, then add salt and pepper. Keep whisking for another 4-5 minutes—the mixture will thicken into a velvety, spoon-coating sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed; this sauce is the soul of your Homemade Green Bean Casserole!

Step 3: Prep the Green Beans

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop in your snapped fresh green beans and cook for 6-7 minutes, just until they’re tender but still vibrant. For best results, plunge them into an ice bath right after to lock in that beautiful green—they’ll look and taste so fresh. If you opt for canned beans, you can skip boiling; just drain well.

Step 4: Combine & Assemble

Now comes the fun: Mix the onion-mushroom mixture back into your creamy sauce, then add the green beans, gently stirring until everything is evenly coated. If you love a little cheesy depth, sprinkle in the parmesan and stir just to combine. Pour the whole delicious mixture into your 9-inch square baking dish and smooth the top.

Step 5: Bake & Top with Fried Onions

Slide your casserole into a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until bubbly and set. Pull it out, scatter those glorious fried onions all over the top, and return to the oven for just 5 more minutes, so the onions can get toasty and golden. Serve as soon as possible, while everything is still piping hot and crispy.

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

For a finishing touch beyond those iconic fried onions, try a sprinkle of fresh-chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, or even a light dusting of extra parmesan for rich, nutty aroma. A quick twist of black pepper at the table can make each serving special.

Side Dishes

Homemade Green Bean Casserole slides right into nearly any classic feast. It’s phenomenal alongside roast turkey, honey glazed ham, or even roast chicken, not to mention mashed potatoes and stuffing. For potlucks, it pairs wonderfully with any main that needs a creamy, green complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress things up by baking your Homemade Green Bean Casserole in individual ramekins for charming single-serve portions, or serve in a beautiful white porcelain dish for that nostalgic, generations-old feel. For a rustic twist, try baking it in a cast iron skillet—nothing says “homemade” like a little kitchen character.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftover casserole tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce may thicken even more as it sits, but the flavors only get richer, making for delicious next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze Homemade Green Bean Casserole before baking, leaving off the fried onions until you’re ready to cook. Wrap the dish well in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the fried onions just before finishing in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, bake covered at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly again, about 20 minutes, then uncover, add more fried onions if you like, and bake for another 5-10 minutes. The fried onions may lose some crunch, but the flavor remains comforting and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make Homemade Green Bean Casserole with canned green beans?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned green beans are a great shortcut. Just be sure to drain them well—there’s no need to boil or blanch canned beans before using.

What can I use instead of half n half?

For classic creaminess, half n half really is best, but you can use heavy cream for an even richer sauce or whole milk with a touch of melted butter in a pinch. Avoid low-fat dairy, as it won’t thicken the sauce as beautifully.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

Opt for cornstarch instead of flour as the thickener, and make sure your fried onions are gluten-free (some brands sell gluten-free versions). The rest of the ingredients in Homemade Green Bean Casserole are naturally gluten-free!

Can I prepare Homemade Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance (without fried onions), cover and refrigerate. Just add the fried onions right before baking so they stay crisp and delicious.

Why are my green beans mushy?

Green beans become mushy if overcooked, so keep an eye on them during boiling—6 to 7 minutes is usually perfect for tender-crisp beans. An ice bath afterward also helps lock in the texture and color.

Final Thoughts

There really isn’t anything like the aroma of Homemade Green Bean Casserole baking on a holiday morning. Trust me: once you serve this dish from scratch, those store-bought shortcuts won’t stand a chance. Give it a try and let it bring warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of homemade magic to your table, no matter the season.

Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole