Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions

This homemade Green Bean Casserole takes the classic comfort dish to a whole new level. With tender green beans, a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, and perfectly crispy fried onions, it’s the ultimate side dish for holidays or cozy dinners. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques make this casserole deeply flavorful and irresistibly satisfying — no canned soup required!

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Holiday, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Classic

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Green Beans

750 g fresh green beans trimmed and halved

For the Crispy Fried Onions

2 large yellow onions peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
4 cups vegetable oil for frying (or peanut/canola oil)

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter
360 g mushrooms chopped into 1 cm / 1/3-inch pieces
0.75 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1.5 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
0.5 cup heavy cream
1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg

Method

Step 1 – Cook the Green Beans: Boil green beans for 3 minutes until just tender, then drain and shock in cold water to stop cooking. Pat dry and set aside.
Step 2 – Make the Crispy Onions: Toss sliced onions with flour, panko, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and fry onions in batches for about 1½ minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
Step 3 – Prepare the Mushroom Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper; cook until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in flour to make a roux, then gradually add broth and cream while stirring. Add nutmeg and cook for 5 minutes, until thick and creamy.
Step 4 – Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Combine green beans with mushroom sauce, then transfer to a 2.5L casserole dish. Top with crispy onions.
Step 5 – Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbling and onions are deep golden brown. Serve immediately, topped with extra onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh green beans and fry onions just before assembling. To make ahead, prepare the sauce and beans separately a day in advance. Reheat sauce gently before combining. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep the onions crispy.