Save to Pinterest A nostalgic creamy side dish featuring tender green beans savory mushrooms and crispy fried onions—a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.
This casserole brings back memories of gathering around the table with my family for every holiday meal. The aroma in the kitchen as it bakes makes everyone excited for dinner.
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans: 900 g (2 lb) trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces (or substitute with 900 g frozen cut green beans thawed and drained)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Cremini or button mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz) sliced
- Yellow onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2 minced
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Whole milk: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp optional
- Crispy fried onions: 150 g (1½ cups store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Green Beans:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add green beans. Cook for 5 minutes until just tender and bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Cook Mushrooms and Aromatics:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook 5-6 minutes until browned. Add onion and garlic then cook 2-3 more minutes until softened.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and broth. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- Combine and Assemble:
- Add drained green beans to the sauce and toss to coat. Transfer mixture to a 2-liter baking dish. Sprinkle half the fried onions over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove from oven, add remaining fried onions, and bake 5-7 minutes more until golden crisp.
- Finish:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest This recipe became a staple for us after my grandmother requested it each Thanksgiving. Everyone still asks for it whenever we celebrate together.
Required Tools
Large pot colander large skillet whisk 2-liter baking dish oven.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten in flour and fried onions). Soy may be present in store-bought fried onions. Always check labels for broth and onions.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains 265 calories with 15 g total fat 25 g carbohydrates and 6 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This classic side makes every holiday meal complete and tastes just as good for leftovers the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can fresh green beans be substituted with frozen?
Yes, frozen cut green beans can be used if thawed and drained well before cooking, retaining a similar texture and flavor.
- → What adds richness to the sauce?
Butter, whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth combine to create a creamy, flavorful base enhanced by sautéed mushrooms and onions.
- → How are the crispy fried onions prepared?
You can use store-bought fried onions or make them at home by frying thinly sliced onions until golden and crisp.
- → Is nutmeg necessary in the sauce?
Nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warmth that complements the creamy sauce and mushrooms nicely.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble through the sauce and green beans step, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and add toppings before baking.