Classic Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions

Creamy, crunchy, and full of cozy holiday flavor, this Classic Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions is everything you want on your Christmas table.

Forget the canned soup version; this one’s made from scratch with fresh green beans, a velvety mushroom sauce, and a golden crown of fried onions. It’s comfort food with a touch of class!

Picture this: tender green beans coated in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with crispy, golden onions that shatter at first bite. Yeah… this is the green bean casserole you’ll want to make every year. 🌿

Quick Summary

This classic holiday side dish combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an essential part of any Christmas dinner recipes lineup or holiday meal.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Level: Easy

Ingredients

Green Beans:

• 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed and halved – fresh is best for that tender-crisp bite

• 1 tsp salt – to season the boiling water

Mushroom Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter

• 8 oz (250g) mushrooms, finely chopped – cremini or button work perfectly

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 tbsp flour – thickens the sauce

• 1 ½ cups milk

• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• ½ cup heavy cream – adds extra richness

• ½ tsp salt and pepper, each

• ¼ tsp nutmeg – optional but adds warmth

Crispy Fried Onions:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

• Vegetable oil, for frying

💡 Shortcut: You can use store-bought crispy fried onions, but homemade ones take it to another level, and make the kitchen smell amazing.

How to Make Classic Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions

1) Prep the onions

Toss the sliced onions in flour, salt, and buttermilk. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high and fry in batches until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a little extra salt.

(You can do this step ahead of time — they stay crispy for hours!)

2) Blanch the green beans

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add green beans and cook for just 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

3) Make the creamy mushroom sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until browned and most of the moisture evaporates (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Sprinkle over the flour and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, broth, and cream until smooth. Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

4) Combine and bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, mix the green beans with the creamy mushroom sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until bubbly around the edges.

5) Top and finish

Sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top and return to the oven for another 5–8 minutes, until golden and irresistible.

That moment when it comes out of the oven, all bubbly and crisp on top? Pure joy.

Tips for Success

• Fresh beans = better texture: Canned or frozen can work, but nothing beats the crunch of fresh ones.

• Don’t rush the mushrooms: Letting them brown adds deep flavor to the sauce.

• Homemade fried onions: Totally worth the 10 minutes. They’re lighter, crunchier, and taste amazing.

• Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead (without the onions). Just cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the onions before the final 10 minutes in the oven.

Perfect Pairings

 

This dish shines alongside any Christmas food ideas for dinner like:

• Roast turkey or beef

• Mashed potatoes

• Honey-glazed carrots

• Cranberry sauce

It’s also one of those holiday recipes that works beautifully with almost everything, comforting, classic, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

And if you’re building your Christmas meal ideas menu, this casserole is your must-have green side. It balances all the rich mains with freshness and crunch!

Conclusion

This Classic Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions is proof that the simplest dishes often bring the biggest smiles. Creamy sauce, tender beans, and that golden onion crunch,  it’s everything a holiday meal should be.

It’s been a staple at my table for years, and it’s always the first side to disappear. So if you’re planning your Christmas dinner side dishes, make sure this one’s front and center.

Let me know how yours turns out, I love hearing how your holiday cooking goes! You can also share your casserole photos or follow along on Pinterest at wellnesswarrior

Happy holidays and happy cooking 🎄

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