Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe From Scratch Recipe
If you are looking for that perfect comfort food side dish that brings a little nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor, you have found it with the Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe From Scratch. This classic is elevated by making every component by hand, from tender green beans cooked just right to a rich, savory mushroom sauce and crispy homemade French fried onions topping it all off. It’s creamy, crunchy, and downright irresistible—a true Southern gem that will have everyone requesting seconds at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple pantry and fresh ingredients can transform into such a memorable, soul-warming dish. Each item plays its part, creating layers of texture and deep, savory flavors that make this casserole shine.
- 2 tbsp butter, salted: Adds creaminess and richness that helps soften the mushrooms and onions.
- 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced: Brings an earthy depth that’s essential for that signature mushroom sauce taste.
- 1/2 small yellow or Vidalia onion, sliced into thin strips: Adds a natural sweetness and tender bite both in the sauce and fried topping.
- 2 cups whole milk: Creates a creamy base to hold the casserole together beautifully.
- 2 tbsp corn starch: Perfect for thickening the sauce without any clumps.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors in balance.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
- 4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce: Infuses the sauce with rich umami and a touch of saltiness.
- 8 cups cut green beans (fresh or frozen): The star of the dish, fresh green beans bring a vibrant color and crisp-tender bite.
- Homemade French Fried Onions: Crisp, golden, and made with 1/2 small yellow or Vidalia onion sliced into thin strips, 1 cup all purpose flour, and oil for frying to top the casserole with irresistible crunch.
How to Make Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe From Scratch
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Green Beans
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. Then, place the cut green beans in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low-medium and cook until the beans are tender enough to pierce with a fork—about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside in a greased baking dish. This step ensures your green beans have the perfect texture—soft but with a little bite.
Step 2: Cook Mushrooms and Onions
Sauté the sliced mushrooms and half of the sliced onion in melted salted butter over medium heat. Let them cook until the mushrooms soften and the onions become translucent, which takes around 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation for the creamy sauce, with the mushrooms lending an earthy note and the onions adding sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In a measuring cup, whisk together whole milk, cornstarch, low sodium soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth and lump-free. Pour this mixture into the skillet with cooked mushrooms and onions. Keep stirring on low-medium heat until the sauce thickens into a luscious, velvety consistency—about 5 to 10 minutes. This homemade sauce will coat your green beans perfectly, no canned soups here!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Pour the thickened mushroom sauce over the cooked green beans in your baking dish. Mix gently to coat every bean with creamy goodness. Bake uncovered at 350° F for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the casserole bubble slightly.
Step 5: Make Homemade French Fried Onions
While the casserole bakes, prepare your crispy onion topping. Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable, canola, or peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the remaining half of your sliced onions in all-purpose flour until fully coated. Fry the onions in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy, then drain them on paper towels. These homemade onions add a delightful crunch that store-bought just can’t match.
Step 6: Top and Finish Baking
After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the homemade French fried onions evenly on top. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes to settle before serving. The onions will remain crisp while the creamy beans underneath stay warm and comforting.
How to Serve Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe From Scratch
Garnishes
For a simple yet stunning finish, sprinkle a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper or a few chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the top right before serving. Not only do these touches brighten the flavors, but they add visual appeal and a hint of freshness to balance the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic Southern staples such as roasted turkey, baked ham, or fried chicken. Add creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes on the side, and you’ve got a feast that captures that warm, inviting Southern spirit effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins to give guests their own personal portion of Southern comfort. Alternatively, layer the casserole into a trifle dish and top with additional fried onions and freshly minced herbs for a show-stopping presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, no worries! Store your green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, and it makes for delicious next-day comfort food.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Assemble but do not top with fried onions, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly fried onions just before baking to ensure crispy topping.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven-safe dish at 350° F for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Add extra fried onions on top if you want to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven crunch. Microwaving is quick but may soften the texture of the onions.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this casserole. Just thaw and cook them as directed to achieve that tender, flavorful bite.
What if I don’t want to make homemade French fried onions?
No problem. You can substitute 2 1/2 cups of store-bought crispy French fried onions. Simply sprinkle them on top after baking, then return the casserole to the oven for 15 more minutes to crisp them up nicely.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter for a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just make sure to adjust seasonings as needed, and you’ll still have a creamy, delicious dish.
Why use soy sauce in a green bean casserole?
Soy sauce adds a depth of umami and a touch of saltiness that greatly enhances the savory mushroom sauce, giving it a more complex and satisfying flavor than traditional recipes.
How crispy will the homemade fried onions stay on the casserole?
The homemade fried onions should stay crispy if added right before serving. If baked on top, they may soften slightly, but still provide a wonderful texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like making the Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe From Scratch for those special family dinners or holiday gatherings. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with its comforting textures and rich, savory flavors. Take the time to prepare each component yourself—you’ll notice the incredible difference in taste and the pride that comes with sharing such a beloved Southern classic made with love.
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Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe From Scratch Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch offers a creamy, savory take on a classic holiday favorite, featuring tender green beans smothered in a homemade mushroom sauce and topped with crispy homemade French fried onions. Perfectly balanced flavors and textures make it a comforting side dish that elevates any meal.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 small yellow or Vidalia onion, sliced into thin strips (divided)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 8 cups cut green beans (fresh or frozen)
Homemade French Fried Onions
- 1/2 small yellow or Vidalia onion, sliced into thin strips (reserved half)
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Green Beans: In a large saucepan, add the green beans and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low-medium and simmer until beans are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a greased 13″ x 9″ baking dish.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Onions: Slice mushrooms and half the sliced onion. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and half the onions, cooking about 5 minutes until mushrooms soften and onions become translucent.
- Prepare Sauce: In a measuring cup, whisk together whole milk, corn starch, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Make Mushroom Sauce: Pour the milk mixture into the skillet with mushrooms and onions. Stir constantly over low-medium heat until thickened to a creamy sauce consistency, about 5-10 minutes. Turn off heat.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the mushroom sauce over the green beans in the baking dish. Stir carefully to coat evenly, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Make Homemade French Fried Onions: Meanwhile, heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the reserved half of sliced onions in flour until well coated. Fry onions in hot oil until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
- Add Topping and Final Bake: Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle the homemade French fried onions evenly on top. Let cool 5 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer not to make homemade French fried onions, substitute with 2 1/2 cups of store-bought crispy French fried onions.
- If using store-bought onions, sprinkle them on top after baking the casserole, then return to the oven and bake an additional 15 minutes or until onions are crisp and golden.
- If using regular soy sauce instead of low sodium, omit added salt in the recipe to maintain balance in flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Frying, Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: green bean casserole, southern green bean casserole, homemade green bean casserole, green beans with mushroom sauce, french fried onions, holiday side dish
