Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving: From Scratch or Shortcut, You Decide!

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us start planning the perfect holiday meal. One dish that often finds its way onto the Thanksgiving table is the beloved Green Bean Casserole. This classic side dish, with its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions, has been a staple in holiday meals for decades. Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves cooking from scratch or someone who prefers a quicker, more convenient approach, there’s a version of this dish that’s perfect for you. Below, we’ve provided both a homemade recipe and a shortcut version so you can choose the one that best fits your style and schedule.

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

For those who cherish the process of cooking and the deep, rich flavors that come from using fresh ingredients, the homemade version of Green Bean Casserole is the way to go. This recipe involves blanching fresh green beans, creating a flavorful mushroom sauce from scratch, and even frying your own crispy onions. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and a level of freshness that simply can’t be matched by store-bought shortcuts.

Yield: Serves 8
Serving Size: 1 cup

Ingredients:

For the Green Beans:

• 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt for blanching water

For the Mushroom Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for a deeper flavor)

For the Crispy Fried Onions:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation:

Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Green Beans:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
• Immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

Make the Mushroom Sauce:

• In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
• Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the half-and-half or heavy cream. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the soy sauce if using, then remove from heat.

Make the Crispy Fried Onions:

• In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced onions with flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
• In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), add the onions in small batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
• Transfer the fried onions to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Assemble the Casserole:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the homemade mushroom sauce. Toss until the beans are well coated.

Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly.

Top with Fried Onions:

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the homemade crispy fried onions over the top.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are golden and the casserole is heated through.

Optional Additions:

• Bacon: Cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble, and mix into the green beans before baking.
• Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese into the mushroom sauce for a richer flavor.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 5g

Please note: The nutritional facts provided for both the homemade and shortcut Green Bean Casserole recipes are approximations. The exact values may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used, as well as any optional additions or modifications you choose to make. For the most accurate nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator or consulting with a dietary professional.

Shortcut Green Bean Casserole

Shortcut Green Bean Casserole

For those who love the flavor of Green Bean Casserole but need a quicker, more convenient option, this shortcut version is the perfect solution. Using canned cream of mushroom soup, store-bought crispy fried onions, and either fresh or canned green beans, this recipe is easy to prepare and still delivers that comforting, familiar taste that everyone loves.

Yield: Serves 8
Serving Size: 1 cup

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh or 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Beans

• If using fresh green beans, trim and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

Mix the Sauce:

• In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce. Stir until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Casserole

• Add the green beans to the sauce mixture and toss until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Top with Onions

• Sprinkle 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole

Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.

Final Touch:

• Remove from the oven, stir the casserole, and then sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top.
• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.

Optional Additions:

• Sautéed Mushrooms: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the green bean mixture for a deeper, earthy flavor.
• Bacon Bits: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon into the casserole for a smoky, savory twist.
• Cheese: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy variation.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 4g

Please note: The nutritional facts provided for both the homemade and shortcut Green Bean Casserole recipes are approximations. The exact values may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used, as well as any optional additions or modifications you choose to make. For the most accurate nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator or consulting with a dietary professional.

Shortcut Green Bean Casserole

Whether You Favor Tradition or Opt for Convenience, Your Perfect Green Bean Casserole Recipe Awaits

Whether you prefer the rich, homemade flavors of a from-scratch Green Bean Casserole or the convenience of a shortcut version, both recipes offer a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table. The homemade version allows you to savor the freshness of hand-prepared ingredients and the satisfaction of creating something special from scratch. Meanwhile, the shortcut version offers a quick and reliable way to enjoy this classic dish with minimal effort, perfect for those who may be short on time or cooking experience.

Whichever recipe you choose, Green Bean Casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends this Thanksgiving. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and create memories around the table that will last a lifetime.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!