Learn how to make a delicious Green Bean Casserole from scratch with my simple recipe! This is perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving Dinner!
Green Bean Casserole has actually never played a huge part in my family’s Thanksgiving meal. Which is a shame, because it’s delicious.
In fact, I had never made it until about a decade ago. That year I was on a mission to tackle this Thanksgiving staple and make it from scratch.
I must admit that even as I was making it, I wasn’t so sure that it was going to be fabulous. But one bite put my fears to rest. The creamy, hearty sauce is amazing, the onions on top are so so yummy, and the green beans balance everything out.
Okay, let’s go over how to make it!
Ingredient Notes:
- Fresh Green Beans: I highly recommend going for fresh green beans for the best flavor.
- Butter: Frying the mushrooms and onions in butter will add extra flavor. You could substitute coconut oil or beef tallow for a dairy free version.
- Onions: You gotta add some onions to boost the flavors.
- Mushrooms: I’m partial to cremini or baby bella mushrooms, but any kind will do here!
- Garlic: Some fresh garlic will really add to the overall flavor as well. Please don’t skip it!!
- Salt and Pepper: Duh!
- Fresh Thyme: This is optional if you don’t care for thyme, but it adds a special touch.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is what will thicken the sauce part of the green bean casserole. See the substitutions section for how to make this gluten free.
- Turkey or Chicken Stock: If you’re going for ultimate Thanksgiving vibes, opt for the turkey stock. Chicken broth will work just as well though!
- Heavy Cream: This lends a lovely richness to the sauce. You can substitute more broth for a dairy free version.
- Fried Onions: You can find less processed versions of the iconic fried onions. See the substitutions section for more alternatives.
Making the Casserole:
This casserole is made in 3 main steps:
- Boil the Green Beans: You’ll begin by cooking the green beans by boiling them in salted water for 8 minutes and draining.
- Make the Sauce: Meanwhile, you’ll make a sauce by sautéing the onions, mushrooms, and garlic, then making a roux with the rest of the sauce ingredients.
- Bake the Whole Thing: Finally, you’ll add the green beans to the sauce, sprinkle with fried onions, and bake the whole thing at 375 for 15 minutes. Boom. Done.
Make Ahead:
You can make the green bean cream sauce and keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. When ready to serve, place in an oven safe dish and bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
Sprinkle the fried onions on top in the last 10 minutes or so of baking time.
Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftovers (ha!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
The fried onions might get soggy, but they should crisp up in the oven or toaster oven.
Quick tip: Store the leftovers in an oven safe container so you can easily pop it into the oven to reheat.
Substitutions:
- Fresh Green Beans: You can skip a step by substituting three 11-ounce cans of green beans for the fresh green beans. Then of course you won’t have to boil them first.
- Butter: You could substitute coconut oil (or any neutral flavored oil) or beef tallow for a dairy free version.
- Flour: For a gluten free option, you can substitute cornstarch for the flour and reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon. You’ll also want to mix the cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water before adding to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: You can simply use more turkey or chicken stock if you don’t want use cream. I have not personally tried it, but I’m sure you could substitute oat milk, coconut milk, or another non-dairy milk if you prefer.
- Fried Onions: I have not tried it, but I’ve seen recipes the use crushed crackers or potato chips to top green bean casserole instead of fried onions. I don’t see why you couldn’t use those here!
If you need some extra help planning your Thanksgiving menu, make sure to check out my free Thanksgiving From Scratch Guide! I’ve got recipe suggestions, tips, and a complete make ahead timeline so the big day can go off without a hitch!
More Thanksgiving Recipes:
Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
This simple green bean casserole recipe is so easy to throw together, but doesn't skimp of flavor!
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch sections.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup onions, finely diced
- 5 ounces cremini (aka baby bella) mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- a few leaves of fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons organic all-purpose flour
- 1 cup turkey or chicken stock
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup fried onions
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the green beans and some salt. Cover and simmer until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Add the onions and mushrooms and saute until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the flour, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Whisk in the stock and cream. Bring to a boil and boil until thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the green beans. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Sprinkle the fried onions on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can make the green bean cream sauce and keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. When ready to serve, place in an oven safe dish and bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle the fried onions on top in the last 10 minutes or so of baking time.
- Recipe adapted from The Faux Martha
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 295Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 367mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 15g
This post was originally published on November 23, 2015 at 9:00 AM.
Thanksgiving Menu 2020 – Heavenly Tastes
Tuesday 24th of November 2020
[…] mushroom soup, and fried onions. Easy. Classic. If you want to make your own from scratch I suggest this recipe from Buttered Side […]
How to Host a Real Food Thanksgiving - Buttered Side Up
Wednesday 15th of November 2017
[…] Green Bean Casserole From Scratch. […]
Erica Lea
Wednesday 9th of December 2015
So glad you liked it! Your homemade fried onions sound amazing.
Heidi
Wednesday 9th of December 2015
I made this last night to "practice" for Christmas. :) It was absolutely delicious! I made my own fried onions: I tossed 2/3 c sliced shallots (no egg or buttermilk) with some flour and seasonings and fried them in a little bit of avocado oil. Delicious!