Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This creamy and savory casserole combines fresh green beans, mushrooms, and crispy onions, creating a perfect side for family gatherings or holiday dinners. It’s an easy recipe that everyone will love!
Why Make This Recipe
Making this green bean casserole from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. With fresh green beans, wholesome mushrooms, and simple seasonings, you create a wholesome dish that beats anything from a can. Plus, the delicious homemade French fried onions on top add the perfect crunch. This casserole is not only tasty but also a great way to share love and warmth with family and friends.
How to Make Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter (salted)
- 8 oz white mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/2 small yellow or Vidalia onion (sliced into thin strips)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 8 cups cut green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 small yellow or Vidalia onion (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a saucepan, add green beans and cover with water.
- Place the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to high.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the cooked green beans and place them in a greased 13″ x 9″ baking dish. Set aside.
- Slice the mushrooms and half of the onion.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and half of your sliced onion. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a measuring cup, combine the milk, cornstarch, low-sodium soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk to avoid lumps.
- Pour the mixture into the skillet with the cooked mushrooms and onions. Stir well and regularly until it thickens, about 5-10 minutes on low-medium heat.
- Once thickened, pour the mixture over the green beans in the baking dish and carefully stir to coat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the top with homemade French fried onions.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
Serve this casserole hot as a side dish with your favorite main courses like roasted chicken, turkey, or ham. It’s perfect for holiday meals or family dinners. The creamy texture and crunchy topping make it a crowd-pleaser!
How to Store Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quick reheating.
Tips to Make Homemade Southern Green Bean Casserole
- For a deeper flavor, use a mix of mushrooms like cremini and shiitake.
- If you want more crunch, add more French fried onions on top before serving.
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking for easy prep.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and omit the butter. You could also replace green beans with asparagus or broccoli for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use canned green beans, but fresh or frozen vegetables provide better taste and texture.
2. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day before baking.
3. How do I make homemade French fried onions?
For homemade French fried onions, slice onions thinly, soak them in buttermilk, dredge them in flour, and fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Southern Green Bean Casserole!
Southern Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 2 tbsp butter (salted) For sautéing
- 8 oz white mushrooms (sliced) Any variety of mushrooms can be used for different flavor
- ½ small yellow or Vidalia onion (sliced into thin strips) Used in both the sauce and the casserole
- 2 cups whole milk Substitutions can include low-fat milk for a lighter version
- 2 tbsp corn starch For thickening the sauce
- ½ tsp salt Adjust according to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper Adjust according to taste
- 4 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium) Enhances flavor without excess sodium
- 8 cups cut green beans (fresh or frozen) Fresh green beans recommended for best texture
- ½ small yellow or Vidalia onion (sliced into thin strips) Used in the sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For making homemade French fried onions
- to taste Oil for frying Sufficient oil for frying onions
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a saucepan, add the green beans and cover with water.
- Place the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to high.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the cooked green beans and place them in a greased 13″ x 9″ baking dish.
- Slice the mushrooms and half of the onion.
Cooking the Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and half of your sliced onion. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a measuring cup, combine the milk, cornstarch, low-sodium soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk to avoid lumps.
- Pour the mixture into the skillet with the cooked mushrooms and onions. Stir well and regularly until it thickens, about 5-10 minutes on low-medium heat.
Baking
- Once thickened, pour the mixture over the green beans in the baking dish and carefully stir to coat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the top with homemade French fried onions.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
