Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25-30 minutes | Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 lbs fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed (if fresh)
- 1 (6 oz) can crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Prep Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain well. If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then the heavy cream, ensuring no lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine & Bake: Stir the blanched/thawed green beans into the cream sauce. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish (if not using an oven-safe skillet). Top with half of the crispy fried onions.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Remove from oven, top with the remaining crispy fried onions, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch reimagines a holiday classic, making it even more delicious without extra fuss! By ditching canned soup for a homemade creamy sauce, you get incredible fresh flavor. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, and the crispy fried onions add that nostalgic crunch, making it an essential Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish that everyone will rave about.
What It Tastes Like
Creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying, with a wonderful contrast in textures. The fresh green beans are tender-crisp, coated in a rich, umami-packed sauce (thanks to the broth and Worcestershire). The crispy fried onions provide a delightful salty, crunchy topping that completes the classic flavor profile.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve hot as a side dish for any holiday meal or Sunday dinner.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole entirely (steps 1-5) and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time before adding the final fried onions.
- Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Helpful Tips
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh green beans offer the best texture. If using frozen, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and drained to avoid a watery casserole.
- Homemade Fried Onions: For an extra gourmet touch, consider making your own fried onions.
- Don’t Overcook Green Beans: Blanch them only until tender-crisp, as they will cook further in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I add mushrooms? Yes, sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion for added depth of flavor.
- Can I make this dairy-free? You can substitute butter with olive oil, milk/cream with a non-dairy alternative (like full-fat coconut milk for richness), and ensure your fried onions are dairy-free.
- What if my sauce is too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or create a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp cold water) and whisk it in while simmering.
Conclusion
Bring fresh, homemade flavor to your holiday table with this Easy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch! It’s a delicious, comforting, and absolutely essential Thanksgiving and Christmas side dish that combines classic flavors with a simple, elevated approach. Get ready for rave reviews!
