Homemade Green Bean Casserole: The Perfect Holiday Recipe.

Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a timeless holiday dish that has graced Thanksgiving and Christmas tables for generations. Whether you’re looking for a traditional version or a homemade twist, this recipe is sure to impress. Made with fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, it’s the perfect comfort food for any festive gathering.

This dish is loved for its rich flavor, creamy texture, and crispy topping, making it an essential addition to any holiday menu. Unlike store-bought versions that rely on canned soup, this homemade recipe takes the dish to the next level with fresh ingredients and a from-scratch mushroom sauce. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

1. Prepare the Green Beans

   Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

   Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms, and sauté until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Casserole

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine green beans and mushroom sauce. Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese if using. Bake for 20 minutes.

4. Add the Crispy Topping

   Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle fried onions on top. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.

5. Serve and Enjoy

   Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious homemade green bean casserole as a perfect holiday side dish.

The History of Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole was first introduced in 1955 by Campbell’s Soup Company. It quickly became a Thanksgiving favorite due to its simple ingredients and easy preparation. Over time, the dish has evolved, with home cooks adding their own personal touches.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version

Green bean casserole was first introduced in 1955 by Campbell’s Soup Company. It quickly became a Thanksgiving favorite due to its simple ingredients and easy preparation. Over time, the dish has evolved, with home cooks adding their own personal touches.

The Origin and Popularization

Green bean casserole was originally designed as a budget-friendly dish that could be made with ingredients commonly found in American pantries. The simplicity of the dish, along with its delicious flavor, contributed to its widespread appeal.

The Role of Campbell’s Soup Company

Campbell’s Soup Company played a significant role in popularizing the dish by including the recipe on the labels of its cream of mushroom soup cans. This marketing strategy helped green bean casserole become a household name.

Variations Over the Decades

• 1970s-1980s: Home cooks began experimenting with different cheese varieties to enhance the flavor.
• 1990s: The rise of gourmet cooking led to variations using fresh ingredients instead of canned.
• 2000s-Present: Health-conscious cooks introduced gluten-free and vegan adaptations.

Cultural Significance in American Holidays

Green bean casserole is now considered a quintessential holiday side dish, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It embodies the essence of comfort food and has been embraced by multiple generations.

Ingredients Needed for Green Bean Casserole

the Green Beans

• 1 ½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 cups water (for blanching)

For the Homemade Mushroom Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp nutmeg

For the Topping

• 1 ½ cups French-fried onions
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

1. Preparing the Green Beans

https://fleepyrecipes.com/quick-easy-green-bean-casserole-allrecipes/Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Making the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms, and sauté until softened.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat.

3. Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, combine green beans and mushroom sauce.
3. Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese if using.
4. Bake for 20 minutes.

4. Adding the Crispy Topping

• Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle fried onions on top.
• Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.

Variations to Try

1. Vegan Green Bean Casserole

• Replace butter with olive oil.
• Use unsweetened almond milk and coconut cream.
• Opt for dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.

2. Low-Carb Version

• Swap flour with almond flour.
• Use heavy cream without milk.
• Choose pork rinds instead of fried onions.

3. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

• Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce.
• Use mozzarella for extra gooeyness.

FAQs

Conclusion

This homemade green bean casserole is the perfect holiday side dish, filled with creamy, crispy, and savory goodness. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a new variation, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday table.