Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video

We’ve taken the classic green bean casserole to a whole new level with our Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video. This dish features a creamy homemade Parmesan sauce, savory caramelized mushrooms, and fresh green beans, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or a holiday gathering, this casserole is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy Parmesan sauce and caramelized mushrooms creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is simple enough for cooks of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at holidays, potlucks, or as a comforting side dish any day of the week.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is made without meat or animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for various diets.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich flavors and appealing presentation will make it a hit at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Baking dish (2-quart)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the green beans quickly and efficiently.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing mushrooms to achieve that golden-brown color.
• Baking dish: A sturdy vessel to hold your casserole while it bakes to perfection.

Ingredients

We turned up the dial on green bean casserole with a homemade Parmesan cream sauce, savory caramelized mushrooms, and fresh green beans. French’s onions stay.

For the Green Beans

• 2 lb. fresh green beans
• Kosher salt

For the Mushrooms

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 lb. crimini mushrooms, sliced, divided
• 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
• 4 large sprigs thyme, divided

For the Sauce

• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, finely grated
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Freshly ground black pepper

For Topping

• ¾ cup French’s fried onions

How to Make Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle so that heat circulates evenly during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Cook 2 lb. fresh green beans in batches until bright green and halfway tender (about 3 minutes per batch).
3. Drain the beans and let them cool before trimming off stem ends.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. Heat 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ½ lb. crimini mushrooms without stirring; allow them to brown underneath (about 2 minutes).
3. Toss and cook until both sides are browned (about 3 more minutes).
4. Add 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter and 2 large thyme sprigs; season with kosher salt.
5. Transfer cooked mushrooms to a plate once dark brown and very tender.
6. Repeat with remaining butter, oil, mushrooms, and thyme.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

1. Melt remaining 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Whisk in 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour; cook until roux is golden brown (about 4 minutes).
3. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream; increase heat until bubbling (about 5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat; mix in grated garlic and Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. In a baking dish, arrange green beans and sautéed mushrooms.
2. Pour sauce over the mixture—don’t worry if it seems insufficient; it will thicken while baking.
3. Cover tightly with foil; bake until bubbling (25–30 minutes).
4. Uncover and continue baking until lightly browned on top (15–20 minutes longer).
5. Top with French’s fried onions; bake until they are fragrant (about 3 more minutes).
6. Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole as a delightful addition to any meal!

How to Serve Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video

Serving your Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole is an opportunity to elevate any meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with various flavors and can complement both casual dinners and festive gatherings.

Family Style

• Serve family-style in a large baking dish for a homey feel. Allow guests to help themselves, making it perfect for potlucks or holiday dinners.

Individual Portions

• Use ramekins to create individual servings. This presentation adds a touch of elegance and makes it easy for guests to enjoy without sharing.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Top the casserole with fresh thyme or parsley. This adds a pop of color and enhances the dish’s aroma, making it visually appealing.

Accompany with Bread

• Serve with crusty bread or rolls. A side of warm, fresh bread complements the creamy sauce and absorbs the delicious flavors.

Pair with Salads

• Offer a light salad on the side. A simple mixed greens salad balances out the richness of the casserole and adds freshness to the plate.

Wine Pairing

• Consider non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling cider or herbal iced tea. These options add flavor without overpowering the casserole’s taste.

How to Perfect Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video

To ensure your Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips. They will help you enhance flavor and texture for a delightful dish every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh green beans instead of canned ones. Fresh ingredients provide better texture and flavor.

• Don’t Overcook Beans: Blanch the green beans just until bright green. Overcooking leads to mushy beans that detract from your casserole’s overall appeal.

• Brown Your Mushrooms: Take time to properly brown your crimini mushrooms for added depth. This caramelization enhances their flavor profile significantly.

• Stir in Seasonings: Adjust salt and pepper levels based on taste preferences. Don’t be shy about seasoning; it’s key to a well-balanced dish.

• Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set properly, making serving easier.

• Customize Toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings like crushed crackers or different types of fried onions for unique flavors and textures.

Best Side Dishes for Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video

Pairing side dishes with your Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole can create a well-rounded meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic are perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add a nutty taste that balances well with the creaminess of the casserole.

3. Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of this dish contrasts nicely with savory flavors, creating an inviting combination.

4. Stuffed Acorn Squash: A hearty option that is visually stunning and provides additional nutrition alongside your casserole.

5. Cornbread Muffins: These fluffy muffins offer a delightful texture contrast while adding southern charm to your meal.

6. Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with maple syrup provide vibrant color and sweetness that complements green beans beautifully.

7. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers a refreshing element packed with protein and can be made ahead of time.

8. Spinach Salad: A simple spinach salad dressed in vinaigrette brings brightness to your plate, enhancing overall enjoyment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common errors can elevate your Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video to a new level of deliciousness.

• Overcooking the Green Beans: Cooking green beans too long can lead to mushiness. Boil them just until bright green and halfway tender, about 3 minutes.
• Neglecting Flavor in the Sauce: A bland sauce can ruin your casserole. Don’t skip seasoning and make sure to incorporate garlic and Parmesan for depth.
• Using Low-Quality Mushrooms: Poor-quality mushrooms can affect the taste. Opt for fresh crimini mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
• Not Covering While Baking: Failing to cover your casserole can lead to a dry dish. Cover it tightly with foil until the last stage of baking.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Cutting into the casserole right away may cause it to fall apart. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before serving for better structure.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3–5 days.

Freezing Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video.

How do I make my green bean casserole creamy?

To achieve creaminess, ensure you use both whole milk and heavy cream in your sauce. This combination creates a rich texture.

Can I make this Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to baking and store it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking it on your desired day.

What if I don’t have crimini mushrooms?

You can substitute crimini mushrooms with button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms, which will work wonderfully in this recipe.

Is there a vegan option for this casserole?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives along with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan version.

Can I add other vegetables to my green bean casserole?

Certainly! Feel free to include vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video is a delightful addition to any meal, especially during festive occasions. Its creamy texture combined with savory mushrooms makes it truly special. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite herbs or vegetables!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Elevate your dining experience with our Best-Ever Green Bean Casserole With Step-by-Step Video. This deliciously creamy dish features a homemade Parmesan sauce paired with savory caramelized mushrooms and fresh green beans, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. Perfect for festive occasions like Thanksgiving, family dinners, or potlucks, this casserole is designed to impress guests with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Easy enough for novice cooks yet sophisticated enough for seasoned chefs, this vegetarian-friendly recipe ensures everyone can enjoy a comforting side dish that delights the palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lb fresh green beans
• 1 lb crimini mushrooms
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup French’s fried onions
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cloves garlic, finely grated
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large sprigs thyme, divided

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Blanch green beans in salted boiling water for about 3 minutes; drain and cool.
3. Sauté half of the sliced mushrooms in a skillet with olive oil and butter until browned. Repeat with remaining mushrooms.
4. In a saucepan, create a roux with flour and butter, then gradually whisk in milk and cream until thickened. Stir in garlic and Parmesan.
5. Combine green beans and sautéed mushrooms in a baking dish; pour sauce over top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Top with fried onions and bake for another 3 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 45mg