Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a side dish that's creamy, savory, and topped with the ultimate crunch, look no further than this Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping. Whether it's a holiday feast, a Sunday family dinner, or a friendly potluck, this classic casserole always steals the show with its rich flavor and irresistible texture. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

• Super easy to prepare, even on busy days.
• Perfectly creamy inside with a golden, crispy topping.
• Uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
• Always a hit at family gatherings and holiday tables.
• Delicious leftovers that taste just as good the next day.

Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

• 1 ½ pounds (680g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ cups (90g) crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions: How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender and bright green. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath. Drain again and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and mushrooms and cook until mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in milk, broth, and heavy cream. Simmer, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

7. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping

9. In a small bowl, combine crispy fried onions, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
10. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

11. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
12. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Notes for the Best Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

• For extra flavor, try using homemade fried onions instead of store-bought.
• You can substitute frozen green beans—just thaw and pat them dry before using.
• Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Variations on Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

• Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar into the sauce for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for those with sensitivities.
• Bacon Lover’s: Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon to the green bean mixture before baking.

Required Equipment for Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Storage Instructions and Shelf Life for Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and topping is crisp, about 15 minutes.
• Freeze the unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 2 months; add topping and bake straight from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the bake time.

Serving Recommendations and Pairings for Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

• Pairs beautifully with classic roast turkey or roast chicken.
• Serve alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or fresh-baked dinner rolls for a comforting meal.
• Great as part of a holiday spread or as a hearty side with weeknight dinners.

Pro Tips for Perfect Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

• Blanch the green beans quickly to keep them crisp-tender and vibrant green.
• Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after baking for the sauce to set.
• Try making the mushroom sauce ahead of time—see these expert tips for prepping ahead.

FAQ: Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes! Assemble the casserole (without topping) up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, then add topping and bake when ready to serve.

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, but the texture will be softer. Drain well and skip the blanching step if using canned.

How do I keep the topping extra crispy?

Wait to add the topping until just before baking and cook uncovered for maximum crunch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 8

★★★★★ 4.90 from 133 ratings

Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping

yield: 6 servings

prep: 15 mins

cook: 35 mins

total: 50 mins

A classic green bean casserole featuring tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden, crispy topping. Perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter.
2. 2
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
4. 4
   Add the cooked green beans to the soup mixture and stir to coat. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
5. 5
   Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly over the top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
6. 6
   Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 220cal

Protein: 7 gg

Fat: 13 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 18 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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