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Southern Green Bean Casserole: Cheesy, Crispy, Comfort in a Dish

Southern Green Bean Casserole in white baking dish

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A rich and comforting Southern Green Bean Casserole made with fresh green beans, sautéed mushrooms, a homemade cream sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions — perfect for holidays or hearty weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb trimmed green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until browned. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in 1 cup whole milk and ½ cup chicken broth while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Cook for 4-5 minutes until thickened. Stir in ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.

4. Turn off the heat. Add the blanched green beans and half of the crispy fried onions (¾ cup) into the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir until everything is well coated.

5. Spoon the mixture into a round white ceramic baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining ¾ cup crispy fried onions.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

For added flavor, try using gruyère or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar. You can prep the casserole the night before; just add the crispy onions before baking. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days and reheat at 350°F until hot.