Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green bean casserole is a staple at many holiday tables, and for good reason. This beloved dish combines the freshness of green beans with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with irresistibly crispy fried onions. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet flavorful enough to impress guests. Using fresh or frozen green beans elevates the dish, and the homemade sauce adds a rich touch compared to the canned versions. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family dinner, this casserole will be the highlight of your meal.
Ingredients
- Green Beans: 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed and halved
- Mushrooms: 1 cup finely chopped cremini or button mushrooms
- Onions: 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: 1 cup or low-fat milk of choice
- Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 1 cup
- Whole Wheat Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon
- Greek Yogurt: ½ cup for creaminess without heavy cream
- Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs: ½ cup
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup
- Fried Onions: ½ cup optional for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and blanch for 3 minutes. Transfer them immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color. Drain and set aside.
- Create the Creamy Mushroom Base
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and cook until tender, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Make the Sauce
- Gradually whisk in the almond milk and broth. Simmer the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the green beans with the mushroom sauce. Mix until the beans are evenly coated.
- Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. Add fried onions on top if desired for extra crunch.
- Bake and Serve
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!