Green Bean Casserole from Scratch is a true American holiday classic—but this upgraded homemade version takes things to a whole new level. Instead of using canned soup, we build a rich, velvety mushroom sauce from fresh ingredients, adding layers of flavor that make every bite feel warm, comforting, and beautifully nostalgic. Tender green beans, golden crispy onions, buttery mushrooms, and creamy sauce all come together into a dish that works perfectly for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or any cozy family dinner.This homemade version is not only tastier but also fresher, healthier, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for the first time or trying to elevate your traditional recipe, this dish never fails to impress. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and bakes into a bubbling casserole with a crispy, irresistible topping.
Ingredients
For the Green Beans:
1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Homemade Mushroom Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz (225 g) sliced mushrooms
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp dried thyme
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
For the Crispy Onion Topping:
1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Mushroom Base
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until browned and softened, about 6 minutes. Add onions and continue cooking until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture. Stir to coat, cooking 1 minute to remove raw taste. Gradually pour in the broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Simmer 4–6 minutes until thickened. Stir in Parmesan for extra creaminess.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the blanched green beans to the pan and mix until fully coated with the mushroom sauce.
Step 5: Make the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix crispy onions, panko, and melted butter until evenly combined.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the green bean mixture to a casserole dish. Add half the crispy topping, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Add remaining topping and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle. The result: creamy, crispy, comforting perfection.
Conclusion
This Green Bean Casserole from Scratch is the ultimate homemade upgrade to a classic holiday favorite. With fresh green beans, a velvety real mushroom sauce, and a crunchy buttery topping, this dish brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether served for Thanksgiving or a regular cozy night, it’s guaranteed to impress your family and guests. Each spoonful captures the essence of home-cooked goodness — creamy, flavorful, and beautifully satisfying.
