Behold, the ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole recipe! Featured in magazines across the web and consistently rated THE best green bean casserole recipe EVER, this will convert even the most determined green bean haters! Tender green beans, bacon, cheese, cream, mushrooms and more, this deluxe green bean casserole is made from scratch and is guaranteed to become your go-to from now on!
Green Bean Casserole: The quintessential American side dish for family gatherings, holidays, church socials, potlucks…the recipe clipping that virtually every American woman has had lying somewhere at some point throughout the past gazillion decades. Only this one is different. This one’s the best.  Ever. And it’s made from scratch.
If up until now you’ve just been kind of “meh” towards green bean casserole, prepare to experience a major paradigm shift in attitude. Â This isn’t your Aunt Betsy’s green bean casserole recipe.
I developed this recipe years ago when I had about two pounds of fresh organic green beans and some fresh mushrooms that I needed to use up. As I browsed through my fridge I also noticed some thawed bacon, a block of white cheddar, and some half-and-half cream. The wheels started turning as the blueprint for the ultimate green bean casserole recipe unfolded in my mind. And the rest is history.
This ultimate, from scratch green bean casserole has since become one our most popular recipes every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Multiple websites have praised it and online magazines have linked to it. But most importantly of all, year after year our readers have fallen in love with it. Just read all the rave comments below. Without exaggeration this green bean casserole has literally become world famous. Yes, it’s THAT good!
Even passionate green bean and green bean casserole haters have consistently been converted through this recipe. My brother included. My brother has hated green beans ever since he was old enough to say the word. And he has never once relented. But…he ate this.  He ate THIS!  He ate it…and he liked it!  And as far as I’m concerned that seals the deal. Verdict drawn. Yes. The ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole.
This recipe take a little longer than the 2 minutes and 38 seconds required to open a can of condensed mushroom soup, mix it with water, toss it with green beans, dump the mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle with French fried onions, and put it in the oven to bake (ie, the classic recipe first introduced by Campbell’s in 1955). Â But this Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is still quick to make and to say that there is no comparison between the two is the understatement of the century. Â This isn’t called “ultimate” for no reason and we’re confident you’re going to love it as much as we and thousands of others do!
How to Make Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole
You can substitute gluten free flour for thickening the sauce. Alternatively you can dissolve 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch in the chicken stock and then proceed with melting the butter, then adding the half and half and chicken stock/cornstarch, and whisking continually as it simmers until it’s thickened. For the onions you can use gluten free French fried onions.
Can You Freeze This?
We do not recommend it. Creamy sauces have a tendency to break and separate when they’re frozen and thawed and the last thing you want is a watery mess at your dinner table.
Can Green Bean Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prep everything and place it in the casserole dish, except for the French fried onions, cover and refrigerate for up to a day before you’re ready to serve it. When you’re ready to bake it, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then sprinkle on the French fried onions and proceed with baking.
This also makes it convenient to bring the assembled casserole (minus the French fried onions) to another location where you’ll be having dinner and then simply add the onions and bake the casserole once you arrive.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This recipe begins by frying up bacon along with onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Next we make a roux with butter and flour which will not only serve as a thickener for the cream sauce but will add wonderful depth of flavor. Next we pour in the cream followed by that glorious white cheddar and watch it melt into a rich, luxuriously delicious sauce. Fresh green beans are then folded in the sauce, the mixture is poured into a casserole dish and topped with crispy, crunchy, utterly irresistible French fried onions. It’s baked until bubbly and oozing and then served at the table where it will completely disappear, every last drop of it, within minutes.
Let’s get started!
Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
Add the onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft. Â Transfer the bacon/mushroom mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Melt the butter in the same skillet, add the flour, and whisk until combined.
Continue whisking for another minute until the mixture has slightly deepened in color. This will add flavor and cook off the “flour” flavor.
Whisk in the half-and-half and chicken stock and continue to whisk, letting the mixture simmer, until it has slightly thickened.
Whisk in the white cheddar cheese until combined. Add the bacon/mushroom mixture and stir to combine.
Add the salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the blanched green beans and stir to thoroughly combine.
Pour the bean mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Sprinkle all of the French fried onions evenly over the casserole.
NOTE:Â Since everything but the French fried onions that go on top is made from scratch, choose some quality ones and avoid using those nasty hydrogenated-oil-packed French fried onions (of course you also have the option of making them yourself!). There are better options out there. Â I had two in my pantry to choose from. Â I went with Lars’ Crispy Onions this time (the 3-pack is the best deal).
Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F.
Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
ENJOY!
For more delicious side dishes be sure to try our:
- BEST Au Gratin Potatoes
- Ultimate Corn Pudding
- Zucchini Au Gratin
- Creamed Spinach
- Yorkshire Pudding
- Roasted Spiralized Beets
- Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips with Horseradish
- Brunede Kartofler (Danish Caramelized Potatoes)
- Baked Endives with Ham and Bechamel
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Bacon and Balsamic Reduction
ULTIMATE Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 slices thick-cut bacon , diced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 12 ounces fresh button or cremini mushrooms , chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound fresh green beans , trimmed, halved, and blanched (boil 5 minutes, place beans in ice water for a couple of minutes, drain)
- 1 can quality French fried onions
- or gluten free French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet and whisk in the flour. Once combined, continue whisking for another 2 minutes until the mixture has slightly deepened in color. Add the half-and-half and chicken broth while constantly whisking to prevent lumps. Once slightly thickened, add the cheese and whisk until melted and combined.
- Next add the mushroom/bacon mixture along with the salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, then add the green beans. Stir to combine.
- Pour the bean mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish and sprinkle the French fried onions all over the top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbling and the onions are golden and crispy. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet Dec 7, 2013
Farah says
Hi was wondering if we can use cream of mushroom soup in this?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Farah, yes you can, it just won’t taste nearly as good as using the fresh ingredients.
Sandy says
Can’t wait to make this. Can it be made 2 days before Thanksgiving. Either putting it all together but not baking it until Thanksgiving day or can the whole thing he put together and baked two days ahead . if it can be put together and baked two days ahead should it be put in the freezer for just kept in the refrigerator. I am traveling Thanksgiving day but want to make this and I just won’t have the time to do it all on that day . would like to know what could be made ahead of time if possible
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Sandy, I would assemble it all (without the onions), refrigerate it and then bake it on Thanksgiving, adding the onions just before you put it in the oven so they don’t get soggy. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sandy Conte says
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I am so happy I could prepare it two days in advance without a problem and then bake it on Thanksgiving day . I want to make it so bad and I was afraid preparing it in advance wouldn’t work. Thanks again.
Terry says
If I double the recipe does everything including butter & flour get doubled
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Terry, yes, double everything. Happy Thanksgiving!
Valerie Bryan says
Kimberly, I had a question about the blanching time. Most other green bean recipes involving blanching recommend 2 minutes. Five minutes is quite a lot longer- is there a specific texture I’m looking for? I don’t want them mushy. Thanks for any advice, I’m really looking forward to trying this Thursday!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Valerie, they won’t be mushy, they’ll be soft. Most people don’t want a crunchy texture in a green bean casserole but if you prefer a bit of crunch go ahead and reduce the blanching time. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wendy Cleveland says
Hi! I am making this for TG but I am wondering will the green beans cook more in the oven so they aren’t crunchy. My family likes them soft so if they will still be crispy can I just boil them longer before blanching? Also, if I use shallots instead of onions do I use the same amount?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Wendy, I wouldn’t describe them as “crunchy” but they’re not squishy soft either. Yes, they do continue to cook more in the oven. If you don’t like even the tiniest bit of crunch to your beans then to play it safe go ahead and boil them a little longer. You can use shallots if you prefer. Shallots are sweeter and milder (hence commonly used raw for salads, dressings, etc) so no problem with using an equivalent amount.
Dave says
Brought this to a pot luck and this recipe killed it. Used Panchetta and bacon
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Awesome, Dave, thank you! So glad you rocked that potluck!!
Natalie Loftus says
YES, BEST RECIPE EVERRRRR!!!!!
susan schwerdtfeger says
Hi Kimberly, I’m so excited that I came across this recipe. After reading all the reviews, I feel very confident about making it for Thanksgiving without a trial run. However, I do have a question. Do you use unsalted butter and low sodium chicken broth? I’m worried that by adding 3/4 teaspoon of salt plus the salt from the bacon that it would be too salty if I don’t use the unsalted butter and low sodium chicken broth. Thanks for any suggestions that you can give. I’m so glad that I came across your blog.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Susan, welcome! Yes, I always use unsalted butter. For the broth I use regular, not low-sodium. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! :)
Alyssa | EverydayMaven says
Green bean casserole is my favorite and this version looks AMAZING!
Karen says
I made this for a work potluck. They loved it. I added some paprika to it because they like spicy food.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Perfect, Karen, thanks so much for the feedback!
Daisy says
Can I make this two days ahead of time and keep in the fridge til I bake ?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Two days should probably be okay, Daisy. Then add the onions just before you bake it.
Barbara Simmons says
I am anxious to make this recipe for Thanksgiving. My only concern is getting the French fried onions. Would Whole Foods have them? Are they expensive? Any ideas of how to do something with the French’s Fried Onion rings if that is all I can find! Thx
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Barbara, any brand of crispy fried onions will do perfectly (they’re typically called “French fried onions” though not always). Are you referring the specific brand “French’s” when you ask about the onion rings? I’m not familiar with French’s making them in onion “rings” form, but if they do that’s no problem either – just break them up in your hand and sprinkle them over the casserole.
Liliana Martinez says
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe. It now my specialty for thanksgiving dinner. Everyone loves it!!!! 5 Stars!!!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
That’s super, Liliana, thanks so much!
Laura says
Can I make this (with the onions left off until bake time) and freeze it a couple of weeks before without compromising the flavor/texture? Wondering if anyone has tried this? Thanks!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Laura, I haven’t tried that so I’m not sure how that would impact the texture. I’ll leave this question open to anyone else who has tried freezing it prior to baking….
Jonathan says
Love this recipe as an excellent alternative to canned soups. I tried this in a slow cooker to see if I could make the recipe feed the masses (doubled), the answer is no. Bake it in the oven. You could MORE than likely fit a doubled recipe into a 9×13 pyrex glass dish and bake. The slow cooker ruins the texture and consistency of the casserole (steam and uneven cooking). Great recipe otherwise, the bacon and white cheddar add a decadent extra layer that is otherwise missing from this traditionally canned soup casserole. Take it easy on the saute heat, I burned the bacon and onion (doing something else) in the pan and while it tasted great, it took on an unpleasant color when the liquids were added and the pan was deglazed.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Jonathan, I agree with you about the slow cooker. Baking it is the only way to go. So glad you enjoyed this and appreciate the feedback, thank you!
Sandra Collins says
I cant tell you all how good this is!!! I made it last year for Thanksgiving & now my family requests it for every holiday!!! I have actually made a vegetarian version of this as well & it turned out great…me personally I like it just the way it is with a little extra bacon!! Try it … you WONT be disappointed!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks so much, Sandra! And hear, hear for bacon! :)