If you’re anything like me, a good classic side dish can really make your holiday table—or any dinner—a showstopper. This Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe is exactly that: creamy, comforting, and topped with crispy, homemade French fried onions that take it to the next level. Trust me, once you try making those onions yourself, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought. Stick around and I’ll walk you through each step so you nail it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade French Fried Onions: Crispy, flavorful, and way better than anything you can buy at the store.
- Perfectly Creamy Green Beans: The sauce is rich, cheesy, and has just a hint of nutmeg for warmth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the fried onions earlier or freeze leftovers easily.
- Family Favorite: This dish always gets rave reviews and disappears fast at gatherings.
Ingredients & Why They Work
All the ingredients here come together to create that classic comfort food vibe, with a fresh twist. Using fresh green beans keeps the dish vibrant rather than mushy, while the homemade fried onions add crunch and a touch of tang from the buttermilk soak. Plus, fresh Parmesan makes all the difference for that rich, cheesy depth.
- Buttermilk French fried onions: Soaking in buttermilk tenderizes the onions and helps the flour stick perfectly for frying.
- Sweet onions: Their natural sweetness balances the savory, creamy sauce and crisp topping.
- All-purpose flour: You’ll use this to coat the onions and also to build that silky roux for the sauce.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Neutral oils heat well for frying without overpowering flavors.
- Fresh green beans: Snapped in half for easier eating and blanched to keep their bright color and crisp-tender texture.
- Olive oil and unsalted butter: For sautéeing the veggies and building a flavorful base.
- Diced sweet onion and cremini mushrooms: Cooked down to deepen the umami and add richness.
- Garlic: Just enough to add fragrant warmth without overpowering.
- Chicken or vegetable stock: Adds body to the sauce while making it lighter than heavy cream-only versions.
- Heavy cream: Here for the creamy indulgence you expect in a great casserole.
- Freshly grated nutmeg: This little spice tip elevates the flavor and adds that cozy, slightly sweet note.
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese: For a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully into the sauce and on top.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
I love how this Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe is so flexible. Over the years, I’ve played around with it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You can easily add your own twist—let me share some ideas!
- Variation: I sometimes swap the cremini mushrooms for shiitake to give the casserole an earthier, woodsy flavor. It’s a subtle but pleasant change.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan or try a dairy-free alternative. I’ve done this for friends with no one missing the dairy!
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock—totally delicious and just as creamy.
- Extra Crunch: You can add chopped toasted pecans or slivered almonds with the fried onions on top for an extra nutty crunch. I do this at Thanksgiving and it’s always a hit.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk French Fried Onions
I always start with the homemade French fried onions—they’re the star topping, and having them ready ahead helps prevent soggy onions. Take your thinly sliced sweet onions and soak them in buttermilk while the oil heats—this tenderizes and adds a slight tang that I love. Heat your oil to about 375°F—using a thermometer is key here because too cool and the onions soak up oil; too hot and they burn before they’re cooked through.
Coat the onions in seasoned flour, then fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to keep them crisp and set aside. These will add incredible texture and flavor to your casserole.
Step 2: Blanch Your Green Beans
Bring salted water to a boil and drop in the fresh green beans. Blanching them for 5 minutes locks in their vibrant color and keeps them tender-crisp. Then, immediately plunge the beans into ice water to stop cooking—this prevents mushiness, which is a game-changer for this dish.
Step 3: Cook the Mushroom and Onion Sauce
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter with olive oil and cook diced onions with a big pinch of salt and pepper until soft, about 5 minutes. Then add chopped cremini mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and soften—another 5 minutes or so. Stir in garlic just briefly to avoid burning—about 1 minute is perfect.
Sprinkle flour over the veggie mixture to create a roux, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and a touch nutty. Slowly add stock while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, then simmer until thickened, around 5 minutes. Finally, stir in heavy cream, freshly grated nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese for that signature luxurious sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Turn off the heat and gently fold the blanched green beans into the creamy sauce, making sure every bite will have delicious flavor. Pour the whole mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a golden finish, and then crown your casserole with those crispy French fried onions.
Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and warmed through. Serve immediately for the best crunchy-tender texture contrast—your family and guests will thank you!
Pro Tips for Making Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe
- Fry in Small Batches: To keep your French fried onions super crisp, don’t overcrowd the oil—give them space to float freely while frying.
- Keep a Thermometer Handy: Oil temperature is crucial; too low and the onions get greasy, too high and they burn fast.
- Blanch Green Beans Just Right: Don’t skip the ice bath after boiling—they’ll keep their vibrant color and perfect snap.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting—fresh Parmesan makes the sauce silky smooth.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little extra Parmesan right after baking for an extra cheesy top layer, and sometimes a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper for a subtle kick. If I’m feeling festive, I’ll garnish with some finely chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. It’s a simple touch that makes the casserole look and feel elevated.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with pretty much anything from roasted turkey or chicken to a hearty pot roast. I especially love it alongside mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for a classic holiday vibe. It’s also a fantastic side for weeknight dinners with a juicy grilled steak or seared salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe in individual ramekins. It makes for a cute presentation, plus everyone gets their own perfect portion of crispy onion topping. Another fun idea is layering it in clear glass dishes so you can see all the creamy, green, and crunchy layers—it’s as pretty as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend adding a fresh handful of French fried onions on top right before reheating to keep that classic crunch alive.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, you can freeze the fully baked casserole (without the onions on top) for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking again to warm through and topping with fresh fried onions.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (usually about 15-20 minutes). Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the sauce creamy and onions crispy. Stir gently before serving and always add fresh French fried onions on top—trust me, it brings the dish right back to life.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen green beans for this Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe?
Frozen green beans can work in a pinch, but they tend to be softer and wetter than fresh ones. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing to avoid a watery casserole. The dish may not have the same crisp-tender texture, so I generally prefer fresh when possible.
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Is there a shortcut if I don’t have time to make French fried onions?
Absolutely! Store-bought French fried onions are a decent substitute to save time. However, making your own really elevates the dish with fresher, crispier texture and better flavor. If short on time, I recommend making the onions first and storing them in an airtight container—they crisp up beautifully when baked on top.
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Can I make this Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) a day ahead and refrigerate it, then bake it before serving. For even earlier prep, make the casserole, freeze it, and add fresh fried onions when reheating. This makes holiday entertaining much easier.
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How do I get my fried onions extra crispy?
Fry the onions in batches without crowding the pot and maintain oil temperature around 375°F. Drain well on paper towels and don’t cover them while cooling to keep moisture away. These tips will help you get that perfect crunch every time.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself craving year-round, not just at Thanksgiving. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel cozy while impressing friends and family with homemade flair. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—it’ll quickly become your go-to side for any occasion!
PrintGreen Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions Recipe
A classic Green Bean Casserole made from scratch featuring fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy homemade buttermilk French fried onions on top for the perfect comforting side dish.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Buttermilk French Fried Onions
- 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Green Bean Casserole
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the French Fried Onions: Place the thinly sliced onions in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak while preparing the oil. Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large stockpot or saucepan to 375 degrees F. Season the flour on a plate with salt and pepper. Dredge a few soaked onions into the flour, coating completely.
- Fry the Onions: Fry the floured onion slices in the hot oil, tossing occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside for topping the casserole.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F in preparation for baking the casserole.
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 5 minutes. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add diced onion with salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in chopped mushrooms and cook another 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Make the Roux and Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to form a roux. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly nutty. Slowly add stock while stirring continuously. Cook for about 5 minutes until thickened and simmering. Stir in heavy cream, nutmeg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat.
- Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Add blanched green beans to the creamy mushroom mixture and toss to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Assemble and Bake: Top the casserole evenly with the prepared French fried onions. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately while warm. To serve different portions, halve or double the recipe accordingly and adjust the French fried onions as desired.
Notes
- Store-bought French fried onions can be used as a convenient substitute if desired.
- Use vegetable or canola oil with a high smoke point for frying the onions to achieve crispiness.
- Blanching the green beans preserves their bright color and crisp texture before baking.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste throughout the recipe for balanced seasoning.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Make sure to soak onions in buttermilk sufficiently to achieve tender fried onion rings.
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor but can be substituted with a similar hard cheese if unavailable.
