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Crispy Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Golden Onions Perfect for Holidays

crispy classic green bean casserole - featured image

A crispy, creamy green bean casserole topped with golden, caramelized onions that brings nostalgic comfort and holiday warmth to your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil for frying onions

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 medium onions. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry onions in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels to drain. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Gently fold the blanched green beans into the mushroom sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. If using cheese, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss evenly over the top.
  7. Generously spread the reserved crispy onions over the casserole.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Fry onions over medium heat in small batches to avoid burning and ensure crispiness. Blanch green beans briefly and shock in ice water to keep vibrant color and snap. Whisk sauce continuously to prevent lumps. Cheese topping is optional. Onions can be prepared a day ahead and stored airtight. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, crispy onions, classic casserole, Thanksgiving, Christmas, comfort food