Pin It A nostalgic, creamy side dish featuring tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy fried onions—a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.
This recipe brings back fond memories of family gatherings and festive dinners, always a favorite on the table.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 900 g (2 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces (or substitute with 900 g frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained)
- Sauce Base: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms sliced, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk, 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream, 120 ml (½ cup) low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Topping: 150 g (1½ cups) crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook Green Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms and Aromatics:
- In a large skillet over medium heat melt the butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add onion and garlic cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk cream and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened about 5 minutes. Season with salt pepper and nutmeg (if using).
- Combine:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble:
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove from oven top with remaining onions and bake for 5-7 minutes more until golden and crisp.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin It This dish has always been a centerpiece during our family holidays, evoking comfort and nostalgia at every bite.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large skillet, whisk, 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish, oven
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten in flour and fried onions), soy (possible in store-bought fried onions). Double-check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 265, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 6 g
Pin It This old-school green bean casserole perfectly balances creamy and crunchy textures for a timeless holiday classic.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can frozen green beans be used?
Yes, thawed and drained frozen cut green beans work well as a convenient alternative to fresh beans.
- → How do I achieve crispy fried onions topping?
Using store-bought fried onions or homemade versions, sprinkle them on before baking to allow browning and a crunchy texture.
- → What can enhance the sauce flavor?
Adding grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce enriches the creamy mushroom base with extra depth.
- → Is nutmeg necessary in the sauce?
Nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warm spice that complements the creamy sauce nicely.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead?
Yes, assemble up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add onions and bake when ready.