Green Bean Casserole Recipe

I am so excited to share this comforting, classic Green Bean Casserole recipe with you! This dish is the perfect harmony of crisp-tender green beans enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with fresh herbs and a hint of sharp cheddar. Topped with a crunchy, golden almond and parmesan crust, this Green Bean Casserole delivers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will quickly become a beloved staple at your family table. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, every bite feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to cooking a memorable Green Bean Casserole. Each item plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color — from the bright green beans themselves to the crunchy, nutty topping that finishes the dish.

• Fresh green beans: Use about 1 1/2 pounds, trimmed and halved for perfect bite-sized pieces.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions for a deep, caramelized flavor.
• Small onion: Chopped finely to bring sweetness and body to the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for a subtle aromatic kick that elevates the overall taste.
• Flour: The magic thickener that gives your creamy sauce its luscious texture.
• Whole milk: Provides smoothness and richness without overpowering the dish.
• Cream: Enhances the luxurious mouthfeel of the casserole’s sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Delivers a gentle tang that brightens every component.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Add herby, earthy notes that complement the green beans beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Grated aged cheddar (optional): Incorporate for a rich, sharp depth that’s utterly irresistible.
• Sliced almonds: Lightly crushed to provide a toasty crunch topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy base.
• Finely grated parmesan: Adds savory umami to the topping and helps it brown nicely.
• Olive oil: Used sparingly to bind the topping ingredients and boost toasty richness.
• Smoked paprika or nutmeg (optional): A pinch adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the topping.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly warm when you’re ready to bake. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure your Green Bean Casserole won’t stick and gets that golden crust we all love.

Step 2: Blanching the Green Beans

Blanching is a crucial step—it locks in that vibrant green color and keeps the beans tender-crisp. Boil your trimmed green beans in salted water for just 3 to 4 minutes until they’re bright and slightly tender. Then, drain and rinse them under cold water right away to stop the cooking process. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel so they don’t add extra water to the sauce later on.

Step 3: Crafting the Creamy Sauce

This sauce is where the magic happens. In a large skillet, melt butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onion or shallots until golden and soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, then sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring constantly to cook off any raw taste. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring until silky smooth. Add in Dijon, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to make the sauce sing. If you’re adding aged cheddar, fold it in now for that extra punch of cheesy goodness. Let it gently simmer to thicken before removing from heat.

Step 4: Assembling the Casserole

Toss your perfectly blanched green beans in the warm sauce, ensuring each bean is coated with creamy goodness. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for even baking and beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Mixing the Crunchy Topping

Combine sliced almonds, grated parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg in a small bowl. This crunchy topping adds a sensational toasty texture and a touch of savory flair that makes this Green Bean Casserole truly unforgettable.

Step 6: Baking to Perfection

Sprinkle your almond and parmesan topping evenly over the green beans, then bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. For that final wow, pop it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes to crisp the top extra crisp—but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 7: Letting it Rest

Once out of the oven, let your Green Bean Casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step lets the sauce thicken up just right and makes serving a breeze without everything sliding off the plate.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a few extra toasted almond slices on top gives a fresh, inviting look and adds a punch of flavor with every bite. You can also scatter a bit of finely grated parmesan right before serving for an extra savory touch.

Side Dishes

This Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even alongside a hearty beef roast. For a vegetarian meal, serve it with quinoa or wild rice and a crisp salad to balance the creamy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive vibe, try layering the casserole in small ramekins or individual mini cast iron skillets. This is not just charming but perfect for portion control and great for gatherings. You can also add a colorful side of cherry tomatoes or red pepper flakes if you like a little pop of color and flavor combined with the classic elements.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Green Bean Casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to savor every last bite without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen but add extra baking time and cover with foil to avoid over-browning the topping.

Reheating

Reheat your green bean casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. To keep the topping crispy, avoid microwaving when possible, but if you do, finish with a quick broil for a minute or two to revive the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?

While canned green beans can be used in a pinch, fresh green beans give you the best flavor and texture for this recipe. Fresh beans will stay tender-crisp and vibrant, which makes all the difference in your Green Bean Casserole.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out butter for a plant-based margarine, use almond or oat milk mixed with coconut cream instead of dairy milk and cream, and choose a vegan cheese or leave the cheddar out entirely for a tasty dairy-free version.

What can I substitute for sliced almonds?

If you have nut allergies or prefer a different crunch, try using toasted breadcrumbs, crushed pretzels, or even chopped pecans for a different but equally delicious topping on your Green Bean Casserole.

Can this casserole be prepared ahead and baked later?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole entirely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for holiday meals or special gatherings.

How do I make the topping extra crispy?

The key is to lightly toss your topping ingredients in olive oil and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole before baking. For added crispness, a quick broil of 1 to 2 minutes at the end works wonders—just watch closely to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

This Green Bean Casserole recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with delicious flair. Its creamy, herby sauce and crunchy, nutty topping bring fresh green beans to new heights, turning them into a centerpiece dish any day of the year. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and find it becomes a cherished classic in your kitchen as it has in mine.

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