This Thanksgiving, transform a classic side dish into a culinary masterpiece with our Best Homemade Green Bean Casserole.

Say goodbye to canned soup and fried onions from a can – this recipe elevates the beloved casserole to new heights.

Fresh green beans, velvety homemade mushroom sauce, and crispy onion topping combine to create a dish that’ll be the star of your holiday table.

Now, let’s reinvent tradition and savor the essence of Thanksgiving with every luscious bite.

Here’s the scoop on the Best Homemade Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole recipe.

Traditional Green Bean Casserole: A History

As well as Thanksgiving, the green bean casserole has an interesting history. The classic green bean casserole recipe was created in the 1950s.

Initially, it was a way to use pantry staples like canned green beans and cream of mushroom soup into a side dish to complement a turkey feast.

Over time, it has become a beloved tradition at holiday gatherings, with its rich, creamy sauce and crispy onion topping.

Fried Onion, Mushrooms, and Green Bean Casserole from Scratch: Health Benefits

Undoubtedly, making a green bean casserole from scratch using fresh green beans has numerous health benefits.

By using fresh blanched green beans and creating a creamy mushroom sauce from scratch, control the salt and seasonings for a healthier dish.

• Fried Onion: Maintain hemoglobin in the blood, strengthen muscles, and possess antibacterial properties.
• Mushrooms: Potentially boost your immune system and contain a significant amount of helpful bacteria.
• Green beans: Great for skin, hair, and nails and protect against free radical damage.
• Garlic: Strong links to cancer prevention; undeniably one of the healthiest foods in the world.
• Soy Sauce: Can reduce immune responses, helping people who have pesky seasonal allergies.

Additionally, using fresh ingredients ensures that the green beans retain more of their nutrients and vibrant green color.

Undoubtedly, this makes for a visually appealing and nutritious side dish.

Ways to Make Green Bean Casserole

Of course, there are various ways to make this dish, whether you prefer using canned, frozen, or fresh green beans.

Firstly, you can blanch the green beans for just 4 minutes to ensure they’re tender and bright green.

Then assemble the casserole in a baking dish with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions.

For our healthier twist, opt for a homemade mushroom cream sauce and top the casserole with your own crispy onion topping.

But is the oven the only way? Technically, no.

• Oven-Baked: Our go-to, all this dish needs is 30-40 mins in a 375 degrees F oven.
• Pan-Fried: For a fun twist on the original recipe, deep-fry battered green beans. Dip tender green beans in egg wash plus flour and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit in your Dutch oven or large pot on your stovetop. 
• Slow Cooker: Set on high heat, this casserole dish takes about 2 1/2 hours in your slow cooker.
• Instant Pot: On high, this homemade green bean casserole takes less than 10 minutes in your Instant Pot!
• Air Fryer: Our classic holiday side dish only takes 12 minutes at 350F in your air fryer.

Certainly, the oven gets a lot of use over the holidays. Don’t be afraid of shortcuts when you need them!

Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes to Serve with This Side Dish

When serving this green bean casserole for Thanksgiving, it pairs perfectly with other classic holiday recipes.

Whether it’s roast turkey, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce, the green bean casserole is a versatile side dish of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Undoubtedly, it’s a great recipe to have in your arsenal for a memorable and delicious holiday feast.

Best Homemade Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Green Bean Casserole:

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Crispy Onion Topping:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Whisk
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Wire rack

Instructions:

Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans

1. Firstly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
3. Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Then drain again and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Mushroom Sauce

1. In a skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 3: Create the Mushroom Sauce

1. Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the milk, to create a smooth sauce.
2. Meanwhile, add soy sauce, salt, and black pepper to taste.
3. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce, ensuring the beans are well coated.
3. Then transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Make the Crispy Onion Topping

1. Place the thinly sliced onions in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Then let them soak for about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Dredge each soaked onion slice in the seasoned flour mixture and fry until golden brown and crispy. Afterward, transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Top the Casserole

1. Finally, arrange the crispy fried onions on top of the green bean mixture in the baking dish.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Finally, spoon the luscious green bean casserole onto plates and relish the harmonious blend of flavors.

Tips for Success:

1. Opt for fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture.
2. Preferably, make the crispy onion topping just before serving to maintain its crunch.
3. Customize the mushroom sauce with herbs like thyme or a splash of white wine for added complexity.

Food for Thought:

Revel in the joy of Thanksgiving with the Best Homemade Green Bean Casserole – a dish that combines tradition with elevated flavors.

Then watch as your guests savor each bite and feel the warmth of shared moments around the holiday table.

From the kitchen to the dining room, let this casserole be a testament to the love and care that goes into creating a memorable Thanksgiving feast!

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