Description
This Best Southern Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish. Made with fresh green beans, a rich homemade cream sauce, and golden crispy onions, it’s a soul-warming classic that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comfort food dinner. This casserole skips canned soup for a fresher, more flavorful twist on tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (about 900g)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (240ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (divided)
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Boil green beans in salted water for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Combine and Layer: Toss green beans with the sauce, ½ of the crispy onions, and cheese (if using). Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Top with remaining crispy onions and bake 5–10 minutes more until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm as a holiday classic side.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the green beans—they should be tender-crisp before baking.
- Drain beans well to avoid a watery casserole.
- Prep ahead: assemble (without final onion topping) up to 24 hours in advance.
- For a no-mushroom option, stick with the cream sauce base and skip mushrooms or soup.
- Top with Parmesan or panko for a twist on the classic crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Southern Green Bean Casserole, Holiday Side Dish, Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe, Thanksgiving Green Beans, Crispy Onion Green Bean Casserole