If there is one classic side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table, it has to be The Best Green Bean Casserole. This beloved recipe combines fresh, tender green beans with a creamy, luscious sauce and a golden, crispy topping that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday feast, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers every time with its perfect balance of flavors and textures that feel both nostalgic and delightfully fresh.

The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind The Best Green Bean Casserole is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a dish bursting with flavor and character. From the crisp green beans to the creamy sauce and crunchy topping, every component enhances the overall dish beautifully.

1 ½ pounds fresh green beans: Rinsed, trimmed, and halved, they add bright color and crisp freshness.

2 Tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create the silky sauce base.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the casserole with a gentle, aromatic depth.

2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the creamy sauce to perfection.
3/4 cup chicken broth: Offers savory flavor that balances the creaminess.

1 ¼ cups half-and-half (or whole milk): Provides smoothness and a luscious texture for the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together without overwhelming.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming spice note.

1 cup French’s fried onions: The crowning glory that delivers irresistible crunch and deep flavor on top.

How to Make The Best Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Green Beans

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F, and don’t forget to grease your 9×13-inch baking dish—it helps everything bake beautifully without sticking. Boil the fresh green beans in salted water for 5 to 7 minutes to achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture. Drain them well and spread them in an even layer in your prepared dish. This step ensures your beans stay vibrant and delicious throughout baking.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—this is where that lovely garlic aroma begins to develop. Whisk in the flour until smooth, cooking for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring as you go, then add the half-and-half or whole milk. Lower the heat and stir patiently until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This luscious sauce is the heart of The Best Green Bean Casserole, binding every flavor together.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the green beans in your baking dish, reaching every corner so each bite is perfectly coated. Top it off generously with the French’s fried onions which will toast up wonderfully in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, and to keep those onions from burning, cover the dish loosely with tinfoil the last 10 minutes. This step guarantees a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy beans beneath.

Step 4: Let it Rest and Serve

After baking, let your casserole rest for 5 minutes—this helps the sauce settle and thickens slightly for that perfect serving consistency. Now your The Best Green Bean Casserole is ready to shine on your dinner table, offering comfort and deliciousness in every bite.

How to Serve The Best Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

While the crispy fried onions on top are the classic garnish, why not sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness? A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan can add a subtle, savory twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or baked ham for holiday meals, but don’t hesitate to serve it alongside a simple grilled chicken or a hearty roast beef dinner. Mashed potatoes or a warm crusty bread are perfect partners to mop up every last bit of that rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the traditional? Try serving The Best Green Bean Casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at your dinner party. You can also mix in some toasted almonds or crispy bacon bits for a fun variation that adds texture and flavor surprises.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover The Best Green Bean Casserole tastes just as good the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making your next meal even more delicious.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this casserole in advance, you can freeze it after assembling, but before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through to keep that crispy onion topping intact. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture; the oven method will keep your casserole tasting fresh and delightful.

FAQs

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh for The Best Green Bean Casserole?

Fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor for this recipe, but if you’re short on time, well-drained canned green beans can work in a pinch. Just be sure to reduce the initial cooking time to avoid mushiness.

Is there a vegetarian version of The Best Green Bean Casserole?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’ll still get a rich, flavorful sauce that everyone will love without compromising on taste.

Can I make The Best Green Bean Casserole gluten-free?

Yes, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just make sure your fried onions are certified gluten-free or make your own!

How can I keep the fried onions crunchy?

To ensure crispy fried onions, add them just before baking and cover loosely with foil toward the end of cooking. If you love extra crunch, sprinkle a little more on just before serving.

Can I prepare The Best Green Bean Casserole entirely ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh on serving day. This approach saves time and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably comforting and special about The Best Green Bean Casserole. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re returning to a longtime favorite, this dish brings warmth, crunch, and creamy deliciousness to every meal. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—the joy it adds to your table is truly unforgettable!

The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features tender green beans smothered in a creamy homemade garlic-infused sauce, topped with crispy French fried onions for a deliciously comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, rinsed, trimmed, and halved
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

2 Tablespoons butter

2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 ¼ cups half-and-half or whole milk

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

1 cup French’s fried onions

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Green Beans: In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch the green beans for 5 to 7 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Drain well and spread the green beans evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Add Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. Let the mixture cook for 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and begin thickening.
Make the Cream Sauce: Slowly pour in the half-and-half or whole milk, lower the heat to low, and continue stirring. Cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine and Top: Evenly pour the creamy sauce over the green beans in the baking dish, then sprinkle the French fried onions over the top to create a crispy, flavorful crust.

Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To prevent the fried onions from burning, cover loosely with a piece of tinfoil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and enhances the flavors. Enjoy your homemade green bean casserole!

Notes

Using fresh green beans gives the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute with frozen if needed; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Half-and-half can be replaced with whole milk, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
If you want to make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and verify that the fried onions are gluten-free.

To keep the fried onions crispier, add them just before serving instead of baking with the casserole.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 3g

Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g

Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g

Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: green bean casserole, classic side dish, holiday recipe, creamy green beans, French fried onions, comfort food, easy casserole