Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe
A classic, traditional recipe for green bean casserole, made from scratch with wholesome ingredients. Rich, savory, and full of flavor!
How to Make the Best Traditional Green Bean Casserole
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a traditional green bean casserole. This classic American side dish has been a staple on holiday tables for generations, and for good reason. Made entirely from scratch with fresh green beans, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, this version ditches the canned soup for something far more flavorful and satisfying.
The secret to this casserole lies in building layers of flavor. Blanching the green beans keeps them vibrant and tender-crisp, while sautéing the mushrooms, onions, and garlic creates a savory base that infuses every bite. The homemade cream sauce, enriched with browned butter and brightened with lemon zest, takes this comfort food classic to the next level.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a cozy side dish, this green bean casserole is sure to impress. It’s proof that taking a little extra time to make things from scratch is always worth the effort.
Traditional Green Bean Casserole
A classic, traditional recipe for green bean casserole, made from scratch with wholesome ingredients. Rich, savory, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
Green Beans and Vegetables
Cream Sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Green Beans
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bring 12 cups of water to boil in a large pot. Add one tablespoon salt. Add the prepped green beans and gently simmer for 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Strain, rinse with cold water, and set aside in the strainer.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, garlic, and thyme, turning the heat down if need be. Sauté until tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set these aside.
Make the Cream Sauce
- In the same pan, add the butter and cook undisturbed over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook it about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the broth, bring to a simmer, then whisk in the half and half. Season with salt and pepper and a pinch of cayenne. Bring to a simmer to thicken, whisking.
Assemble and Bake
- Toss in the green beans and the mushrooms and taste again, seasoning well. You want the gravy to taste rich. Stir in the lemon zest to give a little brightness.
- Place in a greased 8×8 baking dish and place in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Add the crispy onions 5-10 minutes before it's done so they don't overbrown.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh green beans rather than canned for a crisp-tender texture.
- The lemon zest adds a subtle brightness that elevates the dish—don't skip it!
- You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
