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Homemade green bean casserole in a rustic white dish topped with crispy fried onions, styled with warm natural light and cozy Thanksgiving colors.

Homemade Green Bean Casserole - Classic Holiday Side Dish

A creamy, made-from-scratch green bean casserole with a rich mushroom sauce and crispy homemade fried onions. Fresh, flavorful, and perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Green Beans
  • ½ pound Green beans (about 2 cups, trimmed)
  • Salt, for blanching
  • Ice water for cooling
For the Fried Onions
  • 2 cups Vegetable oil, for deep frying
  • 1 Large white onion, sliced into ¼-inch rings
  • ½ cup All-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
For the Mushroom Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tbsp Minced shallots
  • 1 Garlic clove, minced
  • 12 oz fresh mushrooms (button or mixed variety)
  • 2 tsp Fresh thyme (or 3/4 tsp dried)
  • 3 tbsp All-Purpose flour
  • 2 cups Whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

Step 1 - Prepare the Green Beans
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2 - Make the Fried Onions
  1. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 375°F. Working in small batches, toss onion rings in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Fry for 1–2 minutes or until light golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Repeat until all onions are fried.
Step 3 - Prepare the Mushroom Sauce
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add shallots and garlic; cook 2 minutes. Add remaining tablespoon of butter, then mushrooms and thyme. Cook, stirring, until all moisture has evaporated. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk, bring to a boil, and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in half the cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4 - Assemble and Bake Green Bean Casserole
  1. Add green beans to the mushroom mixture and stir to coat. Pour into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and fried onions. Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Add fried onions just before baking.
  • Variations: Try mixing in ¼ cup Parmesan or using a blend of shiitake and button mushrooms.
  • Tip: Double the fried onions — everyone sneaks a few before dinner!