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Best Creamy Green Bean Casserole Ever: Easy 5-Ingredient Side

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A rich, velvety green bean casserole made from scratch with a homemade roux-based cheddar sauce and crispy homemade fried onions. This crowd-pleasing side dish is perfect for holidays and weeknight dinners alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing onions)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for roux)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 large shallots, thinly sliced (or 1 small yellow onion)
  • 1/4 cup flour (for coating onions)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prep the Green Beans: Wash, trim, and cut green beans into 2-inch pieces. Blanch in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain, rinse under cold water, and pat dry.
  2. Make Homemade Fried Onions: Whisk the beaten egg. Toss sliced shallots with 1/4 cup flour until coated. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shallots in a single layer for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder. Mix until evenly coated.
  4. Make the Roux: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour and cook for 2 minutes until light golden and nutty.
  5. Add Liquids: Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking constantly. Add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Add Cheese: Remove pan from heat. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Combine: Add blanched green beans to the sauce and stir gently to coat. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Bake: Sprinkle panko topping evenly over the casserole. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crunch.
  9. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes to allow sauce to set. Garnish with homemade fried onions just before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, use olive oil and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Blanching the beans prevents them from becoming mushy and releasing excess water into the sauce. Grate your own cheese to ensure a smooth sauce, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving recipes, creamy green beans, homemade fried onions, comfort food, easy dinner

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