Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This flavorful and comforting Green Bean Casserole Recipe is easy to make in less than 30 minutes. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal!
Suitable for vegetarian diets.
Say goodbye to the same old canned soup and beans routine, because today, we’re introducing you to the Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe that’s a cut above the rest. Made from scratch with fresh beans and a homemade cheese sauce, this classic holiday dinner side dish gets a delicious makeover.
This green bean casserole recipe isn’t your run-of-the-mill holiday side dish loaded with mushy canned green beans, cream mushroom soup and French fried onions. This dish redefines comfort food with fresh, crisp green beans bathed in a luscious, homemade cheesy sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Green beans are so versatile, and they are one of those vegetables that go with everything. Once you learn how to cook fresh green beans, you’ll be adding them to salad, soups, and serving them as a side with all of your favorite meals.
Here, fresh green beans are perfectly seasoned and combined with cheddar and parmesan cheese for a rich, nutty flavor. Plus, by using fresh green beans and crafting our own creamy cheese sauce from scratch, we’re cutting out the preservatives and additives found in canned ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with goodness.
Why Make this Green Bean Casserole Recipe?
- Healthier Ingredients – By using fresh ingredients and crafting our own sauce instead of using mushroom soup, we cut down on unnecessary additives and preservatives. It’s a healthier twist on a beloved classic.
- Tasty Year-round – While this casserole is perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s not limited to just special occasions. It’s a versatile dish that can elevate any weeknight dinner into a memorable meal.
- Comforting, Yet Sophisticated – This casserole has that classic comfort while offering a sophisticated twist that will keep you craving it all year round.
Interested in all things casserole? My What is a Casserole post includes everything you need to know, more recipes, and handy tips!
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Green Beans – Fresh green beans have the best flavor and texture. You can substitute frozen green beans if fresh ones are not available. Canned beans are an option too, but the texture and taste won’t be quite the same.
- Butter – Use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the finished casserole.
- Onion – Sweet onions add a lovely aroma and flavor. Use shallots for an even milder taste.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a delightful kick of flavor. You can use garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh is recommended for the best taste.
- Sea Salt – Sea salt enhances the overall flavor. You can use kosher salt or regular table salt if needed.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Panko bread crumbs add a nice crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers.
- Heavy Cream – Heavy cream provides richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but it may alter the creaminess of the final dish.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp shredded cheddar cheese adds a robust cheesy flavor. Use your favorite or experiment with other cheese varieties like Gruyère or Swiss.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty dimension to the sauce.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the beans and cook for about 6 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under running cold water for a few minutes to halt the cooking.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it begins to brown. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Season with salt, add panko breadcrumbs and stir. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream and the butter for the sauce. Heat on low until butter is melted.
- Add the cooked green bean mixture to the skillet and stir gently before adding the cheddar cheese and parmesan. Stir over low heat until the cheese is melted. Check for seasoning and adjust as needed.
- Remove the skillet from the stove. Top with the onion mixture and serve with your favorite main dish.
Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
Classic Green Bean Casserole Pro Tips
- Opt for fresh green beans if available. They have a vibrant color and better texture than canned or frozen beans.
- Trim the ends of the green beans with a sharp knife to remove any tough parts or stems.
- Running the green beans under cold water after boiling helps them retain their bright green color.
- Use low to medium heat when making the cheese sauce to prevent scorching or burning the sauce.
- Tastes as you go, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
- When sautéing the sliced onions and minced garlic, do it until they are soft and fragrant but not overly browned. This will release their flavors without making them bitter.
- Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for a crispy topping, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well too.
- Avoid overcooking the beans as they should maintain their crispness.
- After you mix green beans with the cheese sauce, transfer to a casserole dish for serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness.
Delicious Variations
- Add more veggies – Adding in sliced mushrooms, red peppers, sundried tomatoes or leafy greens such as spinach is a great way to increase the flavor and nutrients.
- Add bacon – Stir cooked, crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Add nuts – Toasted sliced almonds or pecans can add additional crunch.
- Add crunchy onions – If you want an extra nod to traditional French’s Green Bean Casserole, you can add French’s crispy fried onions on top.
- Make it spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the cheese sauce for a hint of heat. Include diced jalapeños or green chilies for a spicier kick.
Prep And Storage
- Prep Ahead – Boil the green beans in advance for easy prep later on.
- Store – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze – Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat – Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low to medium heat.
FAQs
It does not take long to cook green bean casserole recipe! In about 15 minutes, everything is cooked on the stovetop and the recipe comes together very quickly.
Yes, you can use frozen green beans instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using in the recipe.
While it is possible to make this casserole ahead of time, for the best results, I suggest that you precook the green beans and prepare the cheese sauce just before serving rather than making green bean casserole ahead.
To substitute for heavy cream you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free milk (like almond or soy milk) for a lighter version of the sauce. Keep in mind that the richness and flavor may vary with different substitutes.
Yes, you can make this casserole gluten free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Similar Recipes
Looking for more EASY, delicious, and flavorful recipes? I’ve got you covered. Check out my list of 10 Flavorful Canned Green Bean recipes, or start a few of my most popular recipes:
Serve with:
- Air Fryer Ham for an easy and satisfying weeknight meal.
- This Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Gravy makes for a classic holiday meal.
- Tasty Air Fryer Fried Chicken pairs perfectly with this green bean casserole.
Recommended Tools
- An awesome skillet to ensure this dish cooks evenly.
- A sharp knife to make trimming fresh green beans a breeze.
- The best sea salt flakes for adding just the right amount of seasoning to suit your taste.
- For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
Thank you for reading my Green Bean Casserole Recipe recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
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Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
For the casserole;
- 1 pound (453 g) fresh green beans rinsed, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs
For the sauce;
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (117g) cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the beans and cook for about 6 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under running cold water for a few minutes to halt the cooking.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it begins to brown. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Season with salt, add panko breadcrumbs, and stir. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream and the butter for the sauce. Heat on low until butter is melted.
- Add the cooked beans to the skillet and stir gently before adding the cheddar cheese and parmesan. Stir over low heat until the cheese is melted. Check for seasoning and adjust as needed.
- Remove the skillet from the stove. Top with the onion mixture and serve with your favorite main dish.
Video
Notes
- Opt for fresh green beans if available. They have a vibrant color and better texture than canned or frozen beans.
- Trim the ends of the green beans to remove any tough parts or stems.
- Running the green beans under cold water after boiling helps them retain their bright green color.
- Use low to medium heat when making the cheese sauce to prevent scorching or burning the sauce.
- Tastes as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
- When sautéing the sliced onions and minced garlic, do it until they are soft and fragrant but not overly browned. This will release their flavors without making them bitter.
- Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for a crispy topping, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well too.
- Avoid overcooking the beans as they should maintain their crispness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Storage – keep in an airtight container inside the fridge for 5 days.
