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Green Bean Casserole With Crispy Onions - A Comforting Classic Done Right

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Green beans: 1 1/2 pounds, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (fresh is best, but frozen works)
  • Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Cremini or white mushrooms: 8 ounces, finely sliced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: 1 cup
  • Whole milk or half-and-half: 3/4 cup (for extra richness, use cream)
  • Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon (adds savory depth)
  • Ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon, plus more for blanching water
  • Grated Parmesan (optional): 1/4 cup
  • French-fried onions: 1 1/2 cups (store-bought), or make your own
  • Optional add-ins: Pinch of nutmeg, chopped thyme, or a dash of hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
  2. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Pat dry.
  3. Sauté the mushrooms: In a large skillet, warm butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and most liquid evaporates, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste. Slowly whisk in broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add milk or half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 2–3 minutes until thick and silky.
  5. Season well: Stir in soy sauce or Worcestershire, pepper, and salt to taste. Add a pinch of nutmeg or thyme if using. If you like, melt in the Parmesan for extra savoriness.
  6. Combine: Fold the blanched green beans into the sauce. The mixture should be creamy but not soupy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Assemble: Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with half of the crispy onions.
  8. Bake: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until bubbling around the edges.
  9. Finish with crunch: Sprinkle the remaining crispy onions on top. Bake another 5–8 minutes until the topping is deeply golden.
  10. Rest and serve: Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly. Serve warm.