Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features fresh green beans smothered in a creamy garlic sauce topped with crispy fried onions, baked to golden perfection for a comforting side dish perfect for holidays or any family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans (rinsed, trimmed then halved)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Dairy & Butter
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 ¼ cups half-and-half (or whole milk)
Seasonings & Broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
Toppings
- 1 cup French’s fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prepare for baking.
- Cook Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the trimmed green beans. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and transfer the beans to the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Make Garlic Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Continue to cook for 3 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Add Half-and-Half and Season: Pour in the half-and-half or whole milk, reduce the heat to low, and stir continuously. Cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Top: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the cooked green beans in the baking dish. Sprinkle the fried onions evenly on top to create the signature crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. For the final 10 minutes, cover the top loosely with foil to prevent the onions from burning while allowing the casserole to bubble.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade green bean casserole!
Notes
- Using fresh green beans instead of canned significantly improves texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Be sure to cover with foil toward the end of baking to keep the fried onions from burning but still allow the casserole to cook through.
- Half-and-half provides a creamier texture, but whole milk can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating before baking. Add extra baking time if baking from cold.
