There’s nothing quite as comforting as a homemade Green Bean Casserole From Scratch — creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, crisp crust.
Unlike canned versions, this from-scratch recipe uses fresh green beans, real mushrooms, and a rich cheese sauce that’s made entirely by hand.
It’s the perfect holiday side dish or weeknight comfort food, bringing both freshness and flavor to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole tastes rich, creamy, and completely homemade — without relying on canned soup.
The fresh green beans retain a tender-crisp bite, while sautéed mushrooms and onions create layers of flavor.
A blend of white cheddar and Parmesan cheese adds depth and creaminess, balanced perfectly by a crispy Panko topping.
It’s a showstopper dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special meal that deserves something memorable.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Fresh green beans are the star — they stay vibrant, tender, and flavorful after blanching.
Butter adds richness and helps develop the savory base for the sauce.
Red onions bring sweetness and a pop of color.
Baby bella mushrooms add an earthy note; you can also use white button mushrooms.
Garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.
Flour thickens the sauce into a smooth, creamy consistency.
Whole milk and chicken (or vegetable) broth create a velvety base without being too heavy.
Fresh thyme adds brightness and a subtle herbal note.
White cheddar cheese melts beautifully, providing a smooth, creamy texture.
Panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese create a golden, crisp topping that contrasts the creamy filling.
Fresh parsley adds color and freshness for garnish.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use fresh green beans for the best texture — frozen or canned will make the dish softer.
Blanch the beans quickly, then cool in an ice bath to preserve color and crispness.
Sauté mushrooms until browned for deeper flavor before adding flour.
Whisk milk in slowly to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
Shred cheese from a block — pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
If prepping ahead, assemble everything but the topping and add it right before baking.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
Step 1 – Prepare the oven and dish
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spray a 2–3 quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2 – Blanch the green beans
Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil.
Add trimmed green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
Drain and transfer immediately to a large ice-water bath to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 3 – Sauté the onions
In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add the sliced red onions and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Stir often and avoid overcooking so they retain their color. Set aside.
Step 4 – Cook the mushrooms
In another pan or Dutch oven, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
In the last minute, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Step 5 – Make the sauce
Sprinkle flour evenly over the mushrooms. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
Step 6 – Add liquids and thicken
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Continue stirring for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy gravy.
Add chicken or vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for another 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened again.
Step 7 – Add cheese and combine
Remove from heat and stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Step 8 – Assemble the casserole
Drain the green beans and transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
Pour the mushroom cheese sauce evenly over the top, smoothing it with a spatula.
Add sautéed red onions over the sauce, then sprinkle Panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Step 9 – Bake and finish
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
Check at 15 minutes and rotate the pan halfway if needed.
Sprinkle with minced parsley just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or ham for holiday dinners.
It also complements mashed potatoes, stuffing, or a crisp green salad.
For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside baked sweet potatoes or a quinoa pilaf.
A glass of white wine or sparkling cider balances its creamy richness perfectly.
Variations / Substitutions
Replace white cheddar with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a deeper, nutty flavor.
Use gluten-free flour and Panko to make it gluten-friendly.
Substitute heavy cream for milk if you prefer a richer sauce.
Add crispy fried onions on top before baking for a classic twist.
Incorporate cooked bacon bits for a smoky, savory upgrade.
Use plant-based milk, butter, and cheese for a dairy-free version.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through.
To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Note: The topping will lose some crispness after storage, but the flavor remains delicious.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use frozen or canned green beans?
Fresh beans are best, but frozen (thawed) work if you’re short on time. Avoid canned beans for texture reasons.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely — try carrots, peas, or chopped broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I substitute for white cheddar?
Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella are all excellent options.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and plant-based cheese.
Do I have to blanch the beans first?
Yes, it keeps them vibrant and prevents overcooking during baking.
Can I add crispy onions on top?
Definitely — they make a great crunchy addition to the Panko topping.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Add milk slowly while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth texture.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, it freezes well, though the topping may lose some crispness after thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole From Scratch takes a beloved classic and elevates it with real ingredients and fresh flavor.
It’s rich, creamy, and deeply comforting — the kind of dish that feels homemade in the best possible way.
Perfect for holidays or family dinners, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to every year.
