There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate. For many of us, green bean casserole is that dish. It shows up at holiday tables and family gatherings, a familiar and comforting sight. But what if we could take that classic comfort and make it even better? What if we ditched the canned soup for a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from scratch?
That is exactly what we are doing today. This is the Best Green Bean Casserole you will ever taste. It is packed with fresh green beans, a velvety cheddar sauce, savory beef bacon, and that classic crunchy onion topping. It is a true celebration of flavor and texture, and it is surprisingly easy to make. Let’s get cooking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this the Best Green Bean Casserole? It all comes down to the fresh, quality ingredients. We are building flavor from the ground up, and you can taste the difference in every single bite. There is no metallic taste from a can, just pure, delicious goodness.
The star of the show is the homemade cheese sauce. It is so creamy and rich. Made with whole milk, sharp cheddar, and a few simple seasonings, it coats every green bean in a blanket of cheesy flavor. This is what a Green Bean Casserole From Scratch should taste like.
We also add crispy beef bacon for a savory, smoky element. It adds a wonderful texture and a depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce and crisp tender beans. This is a truly Loaded Green Bean Casserole that feels special.
And of course, we could not forget the fried onions. They provide that signature crunch on top, baking to a beautiful golden brown. Combined with a little extra cheese, the topping is what brings the whole dish together. It is a classic for a reason.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating the Best Green Bean Casserole. Using fresh components is key to getting the most flavor out of this wonderful dish. Here is what you will need.
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons slices beef bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup French’s fried onions
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives, for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to learn How To Make Green Bean Casserole from scratch? Follow these simple steps. I will walk you through the whole process. It is easier than you think to make the Best Green Bean Casserole your family has ever had.
Step 1: Prepare The Green Beans
First, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, prepare an ice bath. Just fill a large bowl with ice and water. This will be for our green beans in a moment.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add your trimmed green beans and cook them for about six minutes. You want them to be bright green and slightly tender. This quick cook is called blanching. It helps them stay vibrant.
Using a slotted spoon or tongs, quickly move the green beans from the boiling water directly into the ice bath. This stops the cooking process instantly and locks in that beautiful green color. Let them cool, then drain them well and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook The Beef Bacon
Next, grab a large skillet with high sides. Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped beef bacon to the skillet. Cook it for about eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is nice and crisp. It will smell amazing.
Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet. Place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain off any excess fat. Do not wipe out the skillet. We are going to use that leftover flavor for our sauce.
Step 3: Make The Roux
Now it is time to start our creamy sauce. Keep the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the all purpose flour. Cook it for about two minutes, whisking constantly. You want it to turn a light golden color and smell a little nutty. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
This mixture of fat and flour is called a roux. It is the foundation for many classic creamy sauces. It is what will thicken our milk into a beautiful, velvety sauce for our Green Bean Casserole From Scratch.
Step 4: Create The Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking. Continue to whisk to prevent any lumps from forming. Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring every so often.
Let the sauce simmer for about two minutes. You will notice it starts to thicken up. Once it has thickened slightly, it is time for the cheese. Reduce the heat and whisk in two and a half cups of the shredded cheddar. Keep whisking until it is completely melted and smooth.
Give the sauce a taste. Season it with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Then, remove the skillet from the heat. Look at that glorious cheese sauce. You made that!
Step 5: Assemble And Bake
Find a medium baking dish. Combine your blanched green beans and the cheese sauce right in the dish. Stir everything together gently until all the beans are coated. Spread the mixture evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Now, place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. You are looking for it to be warmed through and bubbling around the edges. This is a key part of How To Make Green Bean Casserole.
Step 6: Add The Toppings
After 20 minutes, carefully take the casserole out of the oven. Sprinkle the crispy beef bacon and the French’s fried onions all over the top. This is what makes it a Loaded Green Bean Casserole.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for five more minutes. This is just enough time for the onions to get extra toasty and for all the flavors to meld together. The top should be golden and crunchy.
Step 7: Garnish And Serve
Finally, remove your masterpiece from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This lets the sauce set up a bit. Just before you bring it to the table, garnish with freshly chopped chives. This adds a pop of color and a light, fresh flavor.
And there you have it. The Best Green Bean Casserole, ready to be enjoyed. Serve it warm and watch it disappear. It is a side dish that often steals the show.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of your Best Green Bean Casserole, storing them is simple. First, let the casserole cool down to room temperature completely. This is important for food safety.
Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When you are ready to reheat it, you can use the microwave for individual portions. For a larger amount, place it back in an oven safe dish. Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. The topping may not be as crispy, but it will still be delicious.
Tips
Want to make your Best Green Bean Casserole even more suited to your taste? Here are a few simple tips and variations you can try. Cooking should always be fun, so feel free to experiment a little.
If you are not a fan of beef bacon, you can easily swap it out. Regular pork bacon works wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, you could sauté some mushrooms with a little onion until they are golden brown. Add them to the cheese sauce for a savory, earthy flavor.
Feel free to play around with the cheese. While sharp cheddar is classic, other cheeses are also great. Gruyere would add a nutty, complex flavor. Monterey Jack or a Colby blend would make it extra melty and mild. A little bit of Parmesan on top adds a nice salty kick.
You can prepare this dish in advance. Assemble the casserole completely, but do not add the bacon and onion topping. Cover it and refrigerate for up to two days. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then bake as directed, adding the topping for the last five minutes. This is a huge time saver for holidays.
For an extra bit of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. Nutmeg enhances dairy flavors beautifully. Cayenne will give it a very subtle warmth in the background. It will not make it spicy, just more interesting. These small touches elevate your Green Bean Casserole From Scratch.
Conclusion
Making a homemade Green Bean Casserole From Scratch is such a rewarding experience. It takes a beloved classic and makes it fresh and exciting again. The creamy cheese sauce, the fresh beans, and the savory toppings create a dish that is truly memorable.
This recipe proves that you do not need canned soup to create a deeply comforting and flavorful casserole. It is a simple process with a huge payoff. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this Best Green Bean Casserole at your next meal.
Whether for a holiday feast or a week night dinner, this Loaded Green Bean Casserole is sure to be a new favorite. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes, you certainly can. If you are using frozen green beans, there is no need to blanch them first. Just make sure they are completely thawed and patted very dry before you mix them with the cheese sauce. Excess water can make the casserole a bit thin.
How Do I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of the Best Green Bean Casserole, simply omit the beef bacon. To replace that savory flavor, you can sauté eight ounces of sliced mushrooms in butter or oil until they are browned. Add them to the casserole when you combine the beans and sauce. Also be sure to use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten free because of the all purpose flour and the fried onions. However, you can adapt it. Use a gluten free all purpose flour blend in the roux. For the topping, use a certified gluten free brand of fried onions or make your own by frying thinly sliced shallots in oil.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish for a reason. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a juicy roast chicken. It is also wonderful alongside mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and dinner rolls for a full holiday style meal.
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
This homemade green bean casserole ditches the canned soup for a rich, creamy cheese sauce from scratch. Packed with fresh green beans, savory beef bacon, and a classic crunchy onion topping, it’s a flavorful and comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Blanch trimmed green beans in a large pot of boiling water for 6 minutes. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef bacon in olive oil until crisp, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Whisk the all-purpose flour into the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes until a light golden roux forms.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low and whisk in 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium baking dish, combine the blanched green beans with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat. Spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crispy beef bacon and French’s fried onions over the top. Return to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, until the topping is golden brown and toasty.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped chives before serving warm.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: To make this vegetarian, omit the beef bacon and sauté 8oz of sliced mushrooms in butter until golden. Add them to the cheese sauce.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap the cheddar for other good melting cheeses like Gruyere for a nutty flavor or Monterey Jack for an extra creamy texture.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole without the bacon and onion topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, then add the toppings for the final 5 minutes of bake time.
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