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
