Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
Elevate your holiday table with this homemade green bean casserole! Made with fresh green beans, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and Gruyere cheese, this creamy casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering
Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
There’s something about homemade green bean casserole that just tastes like home! This fresh green bean casserole is rich with savory flavors from caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy Gruyere cheese. Ditch the canned soup and fried onions—this recipe is all about fresh ingredients and bold flavors for a truly satisfying side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This green bean casserole isn’t your average holiday side dish. The caramelized onions add a deep, rich sweetness, while the mushrooms and Gruyere cheese give it a creamy, earthy flavor that feels elegant. This homemade version is a delicious twist on the classic and will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Yellow Onions (4, thinly sliced): Caramelized for rich, golden sweetness, adding an unforgettable flavor.
Butter (6 tbsp): Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and mushrooms to perfection.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors at each stage.
Fresh Green Beans (2 lbs, trimmed and cut into 1 ½-inch pieces): Using fresh green beans adds a crisp texture and bright color.
Baby Bella Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Provide an earthy, savory layer to the casserole.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.
Milk (2 ½ cups): Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Ground Nutmeg (⅛ tsp): Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Croutons (1 cup, crushed): Give a crunchy, golden topping in place of fried onions.
Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, freshly grated): Adds salty, nutty flavor to balance the creamy sauce.
Gruyere Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty taste.
How to Make Fresh Green Bean Casserole
Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes. Lower the heat, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for 90-120 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized. Transfer to a plate.
Prepare the Green Beans: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add green beans, and cook for 3 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath, drain, and dry.
Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add 2 more tbsp butter and cook the mushrooms for 8-10 minutes until browned. Sprinkle with flour, stir, and cook for 1-2 minutes until no white bits remain.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk. Increase heat to medium-high, stirring until thickened into a gravy (5-8 minutes). Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg for extra depth.
Assemble the Casserole: In a greased casserole dish, layer half the green beans, half the sauce, half the onions, and half the Gruyere cheese. Repeat with the remaining green beans, sauce, onions, and cheese. Top with crushed croutons.
Bake: Drizzle melted butter over the croutons and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Green Bean Casserole
Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans hold up better in the casserole and keep their vibrant color.
Caramelize the Onions: This takes time, but it’s worth it! Caramelizing onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness.
Add Milk Gradually: Pouring milk in slowly while stirring helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth sauce.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce and caramelized onions a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge, and assemble before baking.
Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This homemade green bean casserole with caramelized onions and mushrooms is a flavor-packed, creamy, and comforting side dish. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a family dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
Ingredients
- Yellow Onions (4, thinly sliced)
- Butter (6 tbsp)
- Salt & Pepper
- Fresh Green Beans (2 lbs, trimmed and cut into 1 ½-inch pieces)
- Baby Bella Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced)
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp)
- Milk (2 ½ cups).
- Ground Nutmeg (⅛ tsp)
- Croutons (1 cup, crushed)
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, freshly grated)
- Gruyere Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes. Lower the heat, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for 90-120 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized. Transfer to a plate.
- Prepare the Green Beans: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add green beans, and cook for 3 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath, drain, and dry.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add 2 more tbsp butter and cook the mushrooms for 8-10 minutes until browned. Sprinkle with flour, stir, and cook for 1-2 minutes until no white bits remain.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk. Increase heat to medium-high, stirring until thickened into a gravy (5-8 minutes). Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg for extra depth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased casserole dish, layer half the green beans, half the sauce, half the onions, and half the Gruyere cheese. Repeat with the remaining green beans, sauce, onions, and cheese. Top with crushed croutons.
- Bake: Drizzle melted butter over the croutons and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Perfect Green Bean Casserole
- Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans hold up better in the casserole and keep their vibrant color.
- Caramelize the Onions: This takes time, but it’s worth it! Caramelizing onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add Milk Gradually: Pouring milk in slowly while stirring helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth sauce.
Ready to make this delicious casserole? Don’t wait for the holidays—give it a try today!
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