If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, classic dish made utterly spectacular, this Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe is exactly what your holiday table or weeknight dinner needs. This recipe takes the familiar green bean casserole you love and elevates it with a rich, homemade cream of mushroom soup that bubbles with flavor and crispy fried onions that add that perfect golden crunch. The love and care poured into every step promise a dish bursting with creamy, crunchy, and savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to this recipe’s success. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, making this casserole truly unforgettable.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Essential for sautéing mushrooms and adding richness to the homemade soup base.
- Baby Bella mushrooms (2 cups, finely diced): Their earthy flavors provide depth to the cream of mushroom soup.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Acts as a thickening agent to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds savory notes and balances the richness of the milk and butter.
- Whole milk (2 cups plus ½ cup): Creates the creamy texture that ties the casserole together.
- Garlic powder (1 ¼ teaspoon): Introduces a subtle aromatic punch.
- Onion powder (1 ¼ teaspoon): Enhances the overall savory profile without overpowering.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavors of all other ingredients.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and balance.
- Dried parsley flakes (½ teaspoon): A hint of herbaceous freshness that brightens the dish.
- Frozen green beans (24 ounces): The star vegetable offering crunch and a vibrant green color after baking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (¾ cup): Melts beautifully to add a luscious, cheesy layer.
- Crispy fried onions (1 ½ cups, divided): Delivers that unmistakable, irresistible crunch topping every spoonful.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Step 1: Create the Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
Start by melting butter over medium heat to create a flavorful base. Add your finely diced baby Bella mushrooms, cooking them until their natural juices mostly evaporate, concentrating their earthiness. Then, sprinkle in all-purpose flour to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce perfectly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth for the savory lift, followed by whole milk to achieve that rich creaminess we expect. Season thoughtfully with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley flakes. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and then simmer, whisking until thickened—this homemade soup is what truly sets this Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe apart from the rest.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Casserole Base
While your sauce cools slightly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the homemade cream of mushroom soup, frozen green beans, shredded cheddar cheese, an additional ½ cup of milk, and half of your crispy fried onions. This combination merges creaminess, freshness, and crunch into one harmonious filling.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Pour your green bean mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the edges start to turn golden. This step lets all the flavors meld beautifully while the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Step 4: Top with Crispy Fried Onions and Finish Baking
Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the reserved crispy fried onions evenly over the top, and return it to the oven for an extra 5 minutes. This will toast the onions to a gorgeous golden brown, adding the final delightful crunch that makes this Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe a showstopper.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Garnishes
For a bright burst of contrast, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving. This not only lifts the visual appeal but adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the creaminess of the casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a simple grilled chicken breast. Add mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls to round out a hearty, satisfying meal. The creamy, savory notes effortlessly complement almost any protein or carb choice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this casserole in individual ramekins. Layer the green bean mixture and crispy onions separately, topping each dish just before baking to keep that signature crunch intact. Another fun idea is to stir in some cooked pearl onions or add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a cheese variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers impressively tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled casserole (before baking) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking following the original instructions. For best texture, add the crispy fried onions fresh just before the final bake after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, approximately 20-25 minutes. If you want to refresh the crispy topping, sprinkle a few fresh fried onions on top and bake an additional 5 minutes uncovered.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans bring a wonderful crunch and brightness. Be sure to blanch them briefly in boiling water before mixing to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth in your homemade soup. The mushrooms and seasonings provide plenty of savory flavor, so the dish remains richly satisfying.
Can I make the cream of mushroom soup in advance?
Definitely. The homemade soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently and whisk before mixing with other ingredients to ensure a smooth texture.
Why do I need to add extra milk to the casserole mixture?
The additional milk added when combining the green beans with the soup creates a luscious, creamy consistency for the entire dish without making it too thick, giving it that perfect comfort-food texture.
What if I don’t have crispy fried onions on hand?
You can make your own by thinly slicing onions, tossing them in flour, and frying until golden and crunchy. Alternatively, crushed fried shallots or crispy breadcrumbs make a nice substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe is truly a labor of love that turns everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to impress family and friends or simply enjoy a nostalgic, deeply comforting classic done right. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup and Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole features tender green beans mixed in a creamy homemade mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions for the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Sauce and Base
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups finely diced baby Bella mushrooms
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Casserole Mix
- 24 ounces frozen green beans
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced baby Bella mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid from the mushrooms has mostly evaporated.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and stir well to combine, creating a roux to thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps, until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Whisk in the whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, whisking constantly to maintain smoothness.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 4-6 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the homemade mushroom sauce, frozen green beans, shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of milk, and half of the crispy fried onions. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Initial Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until it’s bubbly and heated through.
- Top with Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the green bean casserole hot as a delicious, comforting side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Make sure to thaw frozen green beans slightly or rinse under warm water to reduce excess ice before mixing.
- Crispy fried onions can be found pre-packaged or made at home by frying thinly sliced onions in oil.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead up to step 9, then refrigerated and baked fresh before serving.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor, or mild cheddar for a subtler taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
