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Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe

Avatar photoByLisa
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 99 reviews

If you’re anything like me, classic comfort food is a must-have on your dinner table, especially during the holidays or cozy family nights. That’s why I’m excited to share my Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe — this isn’t your average green bean dish. It’s rich, creamy, perfectly crisp on top, and has that homemade touch with fried onions that you wouldn’t believe come from scratch. Trust me, once you try this version, you won’t want to go back to the canned stuff!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Homemade French Fried Onions: Making the onions from scratch adds incredible depth and crunch your family will rave about.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh green beans and real cream makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
  • Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a small family dinner or a big holiday feast, this casserole scales beautifully and always disappears fast.
The dish is in a black rectangular baking dish with a handle, sitting on a white marbled surface. It has three visible layers: the bottom layer is fresh green beans that are bright and smooth; the middle layer is a creamy sauce with small bits of a light yellow topping scattered around; the top layer is a large heap of crispy, thin fried onions that are golden brown with some darker edges, giving it a crunchy texture. The fried onions cover almost the entire surface, with some green beans peeking out from the sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions, homemade green bean casserole, crispy onion green bean bake, holiday green bean casserole, easy green bean casserole this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from layering flavors — fresh green beans paired with mushroom cream sauce and those irresistibly crispy homemade french fried onions. Shopping tip: grab good quality parmesan and fresh mushrooms; it really elevates the dish.

Flat lay of fresh green beans snapped in half with vibrant deep green hues, sweet onions thinly sliced showcasing their crisp white and purple layers, a cluster of cremini mushrooms with their rich brown caps and creamy undersides, several garlic cloves with smooth, off-white papery skins, a small mound of finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in pale yellow, and a shallow bowl of buttermilk with its creamy white tone, all naturally arranged with a few scattered whole peppercorns for texture contrast, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions, homemade green bean casserole, crispy onion green bean bake, holiday green bean casserole, easy green bean casserole
  • Buttermilk French Fried Onions: The tang from buttermilk tenderizes the onions and adds flavor before frying.
  • Sweet Onions: Use thin slices for frying — their natural sweetness shines once crispy.
  • All-Purpose Flour: For the crispy coating on the onions and to thicken the cream sauce.
  • Vegetable or Canola Oil: Choose a neutral oil with high smoke point for frying onions perfectly.
  • Fresh Green Beans: Trim and snap them for the ideal bite and texture.
  • Olive Oil and Unsalted Butter: Combining these gives great richness and flavor boost for sautéing veggies.
  • Cremini Mushrooms: These add earthiness and body to the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
  • Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Use good quality stock to create that silky sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: It makes the casserole luxuriously creamy without overpowering the green beans.
  • Freshly Grated Nutmeg: Just a pinch wakes up the sauce with warm spice undertones.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: Adds savory umami and melts into the sauce beautifully.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this green bean casserole my own depending on the occasion or what’s in season. Feel free to swap out ingredients or adjust the topping to suit your taste!

  • Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and keep all other steps the same — it’s just as creamy and comforting.
  • Dairy-free version: Try coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce and swap parmesan for nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • Spicing it up: I once added a pinch of smoked paprika to the fried onion seasoning and it gave the casserole a subtle smoky kick that was totally unexpected and delicious.
  • Extra cheesy: Want more cheese love? Stir in shredded gruyere along with parmesan for a melty, gooier sauce.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe

Step 1: Soak and Fry Your Onions for Crispy Perfection

I always start with the buttermilk french fried onions since they take the longest but are worth every minute. Soak those thinly sliced onions in buttermilk — this softens the edges and adds tang. While they’re soaking, heat your vegetable oil to about 375°F. Then, dredge each onion slice in seasoned flour and fry them in batches until golden brown and crunchy. Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the pot or the temp will drop, making onions greasy instead of crisp.

Step 2: Prep and Blanch Your Green Beans

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and blanch your fresh green beans for 5 minutes. This softens them slightly while keeping a nice snap. Then, immediately dunk them into ice water to halt cooking and keep their vibrant green color — nobody wants dull-looking beans in their casserole.

Step 3: Build Your Flavorful Mushroom Cream Sauce

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and olive oil, then gently sweat your diced onions with salt and pepper until soft and fragrant. Toss in the chopped cremini mushrooms to deepen the umami, cooking until their moisture evaporates and they soften. Add garlic for that punch of aroma, then stir in flour to form a roux — cook this a few minutes so it loses the raw flour taste and smells nutty.

Next, slowly pour in your chicken or vegetable stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until thickened, then add the heavy cream, grated nutmeg, and parmesan. Stir until everything is luscious and combined.

Step 4: Combine, Top, and Bake

Turn off the heat and fold your blanched green beans into the creamy mushroom sauce, making sure each bean is coated. Pour this mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top, then pile on those gorgeous homemade fried onions. Bake the casserole at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce bubbles delightfully and the top is golden and crunchy.

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Pro Tips for Making Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe

  • Onion Thickness Matters: Slice onions about ⅛ inch thick for the perfect crunch without sogginess.
  • Control Your Oil Temp: Keep your oil between 350-375°F to fry onions quickly and crisp without burning.
  • Don’t Skip the Ice Bath: Blanching green beans and shocking them keeps their color vibrant and texture just right.
  • Let the Sauce Thicken Well: Patience here pays off—your roux and cream sauce will hold the green beans together beautifully.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe

This is a three-layer green bean casserole served in a black rectangular pan with handles. The bottom layer shows bright green beans mixed with some mushrooms peeking through, forming a fresh green and dark brown base. On top of that, there is a sprinkling of a light beige crumbly or powdery topping, likely grated cheese or breadcrumbs, scattered unevenly over the beans. The top layer is a large pile of golden brown, crispy fried onion strings, giving a crunchy texture and covering most of the dish. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with some loose crumbs scattered around, and a beige cloth is at the top left corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions, homemade green bean casserole, crispy onion green bean bake, holiday green bean casserole, easy green bean casserole

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra parmigiano reggiano over the top right after baking for a touch of melty, nutty goodness. Sometimes I toss a few fresh thyme leaves on top for color and subtle herb flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy casserole.

Side Dishes

This dish is a hearty side on its own, but I love pairing it with roasted turkey or a simple grilled chicken breast for an easy, balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or a crusty bread to soak up the sauce are perfect companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I’ve spooned the green bean casserole into individual ramekins topped with fried onions — it makes each serving feel special and elegant. Adding a small sprig of rosemary or thyme on top makes the presentation pop and smells amazing when served.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer my leftover green bean casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and improve, but I always keep extra fried onions stored separately so they stay crispy when I reheat.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole without the fried onion topping successfully. Just cool completely, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and adding fresh fried onions on top.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I prefer the oven so the casserole warms evenly and the sauce bubbles back to life. Heat at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, then uncover, add the crispy onions, and bake for another 5 minutes.

FAQs

  1. Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?

    You can, but fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor for this casserole. If using canned, drain well and reduce blanching time to avoid mushiness. However, I recommend fresh whenever possible for that perfect crisp-tender bite.

  2. Is it necessary to make homemade french fried onions?

    Not at all! Store-bought french fried onions work fine if you’re short on time, but homemade ones bring a fresher flavor and unbeatable crispness that really sets this Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe apart.

  3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a holiday?

    Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and chill. Add the fried onion topping right before baking to keep it crisp. This little prep trick saves time and stress on the big day.

Final Thoughts

This Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen for good reason — it’s creamy, savory, and full of texture contrast that makes every bite special. I honestly can’t wait for you to try making those homemade fried onions; they’re a game changer. If you want to impress your family or guests with a dish that’s both classic and elevated, this casserole hits the spot every single time. So roll up your sleeves, get cozy in the kitchen, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

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Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 99 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

A classic Green Bean Casserole featuring crispy homemade buttermilk French fried onions, tender green beans, and a creamy mushroom sauce baked to bubbly perfection. This comforting dish combines savory flavors and textures, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Buttermilk French Fried Onions

  • 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Green Bean Casserole

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped in half
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large sweet onion, diced
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus more for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare Buttermilk French Fried Onions: Place the sliced onions in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them soak while you prepare the oil. Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large stockpot or saucepan to 375°F. Spread the flour on a plate and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Fry the Onions: Dredge a few slices of soaked onions in the flour to coat completely and carefully add them to the hot oil. Fry, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove onions with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
  3. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F to get it ready for baking the casserole.
  4. Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright color.
  5. Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add diced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in chopped cremini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
  7. Make Roux: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly nutty, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  8. Add Stock and Simmer: Gradually stream in chicken or vegetable stock while stirring continuously. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and simmers.
  9. Finish Sauce: Stir in heavy cream until fully combined then add freshly grated nutmeg and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Turn off the heat.
  10. Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Drain green beans from the ice water and add them to the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  11. Assemble Casserole: Pour green bean mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle extra Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on top and then evenly distribute the prepared French fried onions as the topping.
  12. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and hot throughout.
  13. Serve: Serve immediately while warm. For smaller or larger groups, adjust the recipe accordingly, keeping the onion topping quantities flexible as noted.

Notes

  • For easier preparation, you can substitute store-bought French fried onions.
  • When blanching green beans, immediately placing them in ice water stops the cooking and keeps beans vibrant and crisp.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste throughout the recipe to suit your preference.
  • To serve 4, halve the recipe but keep the full amount of fried onions for the best texture and flavor.
  • For large gatherings serving 10 to 12, double the recipe. You may increase French fried onions as preferred.
  • Using fresh Parmigiano Reggiano cheese enhances the dish’s flavor significantly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
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Hi, I’m Lisa Denton! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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