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Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms, Cheddar, and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe


  • Author: Ben
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

This classic Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring fresh green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy fried onions. With a rich garlic and mushroom sauce enhanced by Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, it’s the perfect comfort food for holiday dinners or family meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Green Beans

  • 1 ½ lbs. fresh green beans (washed)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes

Liquid Mixture

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Mushroom Mixture

  • 8 oz. baby bella or white button mushrooms (+ a pinch of salt for cooking)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 5 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 3 tablespoons flour

Cheese and Topping

  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 2 ¼ cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
  • 1 ½ cup crispy fried onions (divided)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Green Beans: Begin by boiling water in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Once boiling, add the baking soda and chicken bouillon cubes to the water.
  2. Cook the Green Beans: Add the fresh green beans and boil for 5 minutes, ensuring they soften but remain firm and not mushy. Use a timer to avoid overcooking.
  3. Drain and Cool Beans: Drain the green beans well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Spread them out on a clean dish towel to dry thoroughly.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F to prepare for baking the casserole.
  5. Prepare Liquid Mixture: In a medium measuring cup with a spout, combine chicken broth, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, dried parsley, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  6. Prepare Mushrooms and Green Beans: Dice the mushrooms and cut the blanched green beans into halves or thirds for easier serving.
  7. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same pot used for boiling green beans, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook while stirring continuously for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms are softened.
  8. Add Butter and Flour: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the flour to the pot with mushrooms and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes to form a roux.
  9. Add Liquid Slowly: Gradually add the chicken broth mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure the sauce thickens smoothly without breaking.
  10. Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until it thickens to the desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
  11. Remove from Heat: Take the pot off the heat; the sauce will thicken more as it stands.
  12. Combine Cheese and Onions: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crispy fried onions into the sauce mixture.
  13. Add Green Beans: Fold the cut green beans into the sauce, mixing well to coat them evenly.
  14. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish or any similarly sized dish suitable for casserole baking.
  15. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining crispy fried onions evenly on top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbly.
  16. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot as a delicious side dish perfect for holiday or family meals.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh green beans with frozen or canned beans; adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
  • Using chicken bouillon cubes enhances the savory flavor but can be omitted for a lower sodium option.
  • Make sure to rinse the green beans with cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process and retain their texture.
  • The crispy fried onions add a crunchy texture; try to keep half for topping to maintain crispiness.
  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: green bean casserole, cheesy green beans, holiday side dish, mushroom cream sauce, crispy fried onions, classic casserole