This Is Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

This creamy green bean casserole skips the canned soup and delivers a rich, flavorful side dish made completely from scratch. Featuring fresh green beans, a homemade mushroom gravy, and either crispy baked onions or store-bought fried onions, it’s a must-have for any holiday table — especially Thanksgiving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 100% from-scratch (no canned soup)

• Fresh, vibrant green beans

• Rich, creamy homemade gravy

• Crunchy, golden onion topping

• Classic Thanksgiving flavor

• Customizable (mushroom-free, vegan, etc.)

• Great for make-ahead or freezer prep

• Crowd-pleasing comfort food

Ingredients

For the Baked “Fried” Onions

• 1 medium onion

• ½ cup (62g) all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup (45g) panko breadcrumbs

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk

For the Casserole

• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon salt (divided)

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved

• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter

• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup (180ml) chicken or vegetable broth

• 1¼ cups (300ml) half-and-half (or heavy cream for richer taste)

Directions

1. Make the Onions

• Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.

• Thinly slice onion and separate into rings.

• Prepare 3 bowls:

  • Flour in one

  • Whisked egg + milk in another

  • Panko + salt + pepper in the third

• Dip onion rings in flour, then egg mixture, then panko.

• Spread on the baking sheet and bake 20 minutes, flipping twice until golden brown.

• Set aside and reduce oven to 400°F (204°C).

2. Blanch the Green Beans

• Bring a gallon of water + 1 tablespoon salt to a boil.

• Boil beans for 5 minutes.

• Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Gravy

• In a 10–12-inch oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.

• Add mushrooms, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

• Add garlic and cook 2 more minutes.

• Stir in flour to form a roux.

• Slowly whisk in broth and cook 3 minutes.

• Add half-and-half and simmer, stirring, until thickened (about 10 minutes).

4. Assemble & Bake

• Remove from heat and stir in green beans and ¼ of the onions.

• If not using oven-safe skillet, transfer to a greased 2–3 quart casserole dish.

• Top with remaining onions.

• Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Cook time: 55 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Store-bought onions: Use French’s crispy fried onions (½ cup inside, 1 cup on top)

• No mushrooms: Omit or sub with bell peppers or water chestnuts

• Dairy-free: Use canned coconut milk and plant-based butter

• Extra rich: Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs

Storage / Reheating

• Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days

• Reheat: Oven or microwave until heated through

• Freezer: Assemble, freeze up to 3 months (bake from thawed)

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes. Thaw and drain them before use. Blanching not necessary.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake the next day.

What’s the best milk substitute?

Half-and-half is ideal. Heavy cream works too. Coconut milk is a good dairy-free option.

Do I have to use mushrooms?

No. They can be skipped or replaced with bell peppers or water chestnuts.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

Just transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish before baking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time to about 25 minutes.

What makes this better than traditional versions?

No canned soup, fresh green beans, and homemade gravy make it richer and more flavorful.

Conclusion

This Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch is a flavorful, fresh upgrade to a classic holiday favorite. With real ingredients and a make-ahead option, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering. Whether you’re making it vegan, gluten-free, or sticking to the original, this dish is sure to become a seasonal staple.

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