No Thanksgiving table is complete without Green Bean Casserole. This classic side is made from scratch using fresh green beans, tender mushrooms and onions in a rich, creamy sauce, finished with melted cheese and a crunchy layer of French fried onions.
We enjoy green beans year-round, not just at the holidays. If you want a lighter preparation for everyday meals, try Sautéed Green Beans with Bacon or Green Beans Almondine for variety.
If you don’t like green bean casserole, there’s a good chance you haven’t tried a properly made version. This recipe is built from scratch so every component — beans, mushrooms and sauce — is cooked with care for the best texture and flavor.
Of all the sides that appear on our table, this one disappears the fastest. The sauce is creamy and cheesy, and the French fried onions add the perfect salty, crunchy finish.
Tips
- Do not skip blanching. Blanching keeps green beans bright and slightly crisp so they don’t go limp during baking.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream as written. Replacing them with lower-fat or non-dairy alternatives will change the sauce’s richness and texture.
- Shred cheese from the block for the best melt and flavor rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
Freezer: This casserole freezes well for up to about 2 weeks. Keep the French fried onions separate and add them when reheating so they stay crisp.
Cool the baked casserole completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil for freezing. To reheat, remove wrapping and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add the French fried onions during the last 5–10 minutes of reheating. Thawing in the fridge before reheating will speed the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but fresh beans give the best texture and flavor. If you use canned or frozen beans, skip blanching and be aware the final texture will be softer than with fresh beans.
Gruyere is similar to Swiss. Good substitutes include sharp cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan or even brie — each will change the flavor slightly, so pick what you like best.
Absolutely. Crispy bacon is a delicious addition. You can omit the mushrooms if desired, swap Gruyere for sharp cheddar, and stir in crumbled bacon for a richer, more savory casserole.
More Side Dish Recipes to Try
Cheesy Crumb Tomatoes
Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
Herb Stuffing
Mushroom Quinoa
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Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
What You’ll Need
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed and cut in half
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded off the block
- 6 ounces French fried onions
How to Make It
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Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Heat a medium skillet over low–medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter, then add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms.
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Cook 5–7 minutes until tender, add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Remove vegetables to a bowl and set aside.
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Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in the pan, sprinkle in the flour and whisk. Cook 2–3 minutes to form a roux.
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Slowly whisk in the milk, heavy cream and thyme until the sauce thickens. Stir in sour cream, season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook green beans 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
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In a large bowl, combine green beans, the cooked onions and mushrooms, and the creamy sauce. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
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Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, top with shredded Gruyere and French fried onions, then bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Serve warm. Refer to the post for additional tips and storage options.
Suggested Equipment
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9×13-Inch Dish
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Mixing Bowls
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Skillet
Notes
*See the post for more tips, answers to FAQs, and storage suggestions.
Nutrition
Calories: 294kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Sodium: 254mg