BA’s Best Green Bean Casserole – A Fresh, Creamy, and Crispy Holiday Favorite

🎉 Introduction

When it comes to Thanksgiving or Christmas side dishes, few classics shine brighter than the Green Bean Casserole. This BA’s Best Green Bean Casserole is a fresh, upgraded take on the nostalgic favorite — no canned soup here! Instead, it features tender green beans, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and a silky, homemade Parmesan cream sauce.

Topped with crispy fried onions for that signature crunch, this dish delivers everything you love about the original — but elevated with fresher ingredients and deeper flavor. It’s creamy, savory, and full of that comforting, holiday goodness we crave year after year.

Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this Green Bean Casserole will become the side dish everyone talks about long after the plates are cleared. 🍽️✨

🧰 Equipment Needed

To make this delicious Green Bean Casserole, you’ll need:

• Large pot (for blanching green beans)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Whisk
• Baking dish (2–3 quart size)
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowls

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make BA’s Best Green Bean Casserole:

🥦 Vegetables & Herbs

• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 lb crimini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 large sprigs fresh thyme

🧂 Seasonings & Pantry

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

🧈 Oils & Fats

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter

🥛 Dairy

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

🧅 Crunchy Topping

• ¾ cup French’s fried onions

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish lightly with butter or oil.

Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still bright green.

Step 3
Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.

Step 4
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.

Step 5
Add the garlic and thyme sprigs to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

Step 6
Season the mushroom mixture with salt and black pepper. Remove the thyme sprigs once the flavors have infused.

Step 7
Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 8
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the heavy cream.

Step 9
Simmer the mixture for 4–5 minutes until it thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 10
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes rich and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 11
Add the blanched green beans to the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly.

Step 12
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 13
Melt the remaining 4 tbsp butter and toss it with the French’s fried onions. Sprinkle them generously over the top of the casserole.

Step 14
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

Step 15
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving — this helps the sauce set slightly while keeping that deliciously creamy texture.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 8–10
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes

Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or classic Sunday suppers.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warm and crispy on top.
– Avoid microwaving — it can make the onions soggy.
– To freeze: Assemble without topping, freeze up to 1 month, then bake with onions added fresh.

Tip: If reheating leftovers, sprinkle extra fried onions on top for that fresh crunch!

🥄 Variations

Customize your Green Bean Casserole with these creative variations:

• Cheddar Lovers: Mix ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar into the sauce for a cheesier flavor.
• Bacon-Free Crunch: Add toasted breadcrumbs or crispy shallots instead of onions.
• Garlic Herb Boost: Add extra thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an aromatic touch.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans over the top for texture.
• Lighter Version: Use milk only (no cream) and reduce butter for a leaner casserole.
• Vegan Option: Substitute coconut milk for cream, olive oil for butter, and vegan cheese.
• Mushroom-Free: Replace mushrooms with sautéed leeks or caramelized onions.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
• Caramelized Onion Base: Sauté onions longer for a deeper, sweeter flavor base.
• Mini Casseroles: Divide into ramekins for personal servings — perfect for dinner parties!

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the casserole without the fried onion topping, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and bake before serving.
2. Can I use canned green beans?
   Fresh or frozen beans give the best texture, but canned beans can work in a pinch.
3. Can I use other mushrooms?
   Yes! Button, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms all work beautifully.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free fried onions.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely — perfect for feeding a crowd. Just use a larger baking dish.
6. Can I make it without cream?
   You can use all milk or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
7. How do I keep the onions crispy?
   Add them just before baking or halfway through to prevent sogginess.
8. Can I use frozen green beans?
   Yes — thaw and pat dry before adding to the sauce.
9. Can I add cheese on top?
   Definitely! Add grated Parmesan or cheddar under the onions for extra cheesiness.
10. How do I serve it perfectly?
    Serve it hot, straight from the oven — the creamy sauce and crunchy topping are at their best that way!

🏁 Conclusion

This BA’s Best Green Bean Casserole is a fresh, modern take on the beloved holiday classic — creamy, savory, and full of comforting flavor. With tender green beans, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious homemade sauce, it’s the perfect side dish that complements any festive feast.

Every bite combines crisp green beans, rich Parmesan cream, and that signature crunchy onion topping. It’s nostalgia upgraded — a dish that captures the warmth of tradition while adding a gourmet touch.

So this holiday season, skip the canned soup and make this homemade Green Bean Casserole from scratch. It’s elegant, simple, and guaranteed to earn a permanent spot on your holiday table.

Adam

BA’s Best Green Bean Casserole – A Fresh, Creamy, and Crispy Holiday Favorite

When it comes to Thanksgiving or Christmas side dishes, few classics shine brighter than the Green Bean Casserole. This BA’s Best Green Bean Casserole is a fresh, upgraded take on the nostalgic favorite — no canned soup here! Instead, it features tender green beans, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and a silky, homemade Parmesan cream sauce. Topped with crispy fried onions for that signature crunch, this dish delivers everything you love about the original — but elevated with fresher ingredients and deeper flavor. It’s creamy, savory, and full of that comforting, holiday goodness we crave year after year. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this Green Bean Casserole will become the side dish everyone talks about long after the plates are cleared. 🍽️✨

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Here’s everything you’ll need to make BA’s Best Green Bean Casserole:

🥦 Vegetables & Herbs

• 2 lbs fresh green beans trimmed
• 1 lb crimini mushrooms cleaned and sliced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 4 large sprigs fresh thyme

🧂 Seasonings & Pantry

• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

🧈 Oils & Fats

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter

🥛 Dairy

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated

🧅 Crunchy Topping

• ¾ cup French’s fried onions

Equipment

• To make this delicious Green Bean Casserole, you’ll need:
• Large pot (for blanching green beans)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Whisk
• Baking dish (2–3 quart size)
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowls

Method

 

Step 1

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish lightly with butter or oil.

Step 2

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still bright green.

Step 3

1. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.

Step 4

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.

Step 5

1. Add the garlic and thyme sprigs to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

Step 6

1. Season the mushroom mixture with salt and black pepper. Remove the thyme sprigs once the flavors have infused.

Step 7

1. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 8

1. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the heavy cream.

Step 9

1. Simmer the mixture for 4–5 minutes until it thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 10

1. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes rich and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 11

1. Add the blanched green beans to the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly.

Step 12

1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 13

1. Melt the remaining 4 tbsp butter and toss it with the French’s fried onions. Sprinkle them generously over the top of the casserole.

Step 14

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

Step 15

1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving — this helps the sauce set slightly while keeping that deliciously creamy texture.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warm and crispy on top.
– Avoid microwaving — it can make the onions soggy.
– To freeze: Assemble without topping, freeze up to 1 month, then bake with onions added fresh.

Tip: If reheating leftovers, sprinkle extra fried onions on top for that fresh crunch!

🥄 Variations

Customize your Green Bean Casserole with these creative variations:

Cheddar Lovers: Mix ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar into the sauce for a cheesier flavor.

Bacon-Free Crunch: Add toasted breadcrumbs or crispy shallots instead of onions.

Garlic Herb Boost: Add extra thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an aromatic touch.

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans over the top for texture.

Lighter Version: Use milk only (no cream) and reduce butter for a leaner casserole.

Vegan Option: Substitute coconut milk for cream, olive oil for butter, and vegan cheese.

Mushroom-Free: Replace mushrooms with sautéed leeks or caramelized onions.

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

Caramelized Onion Base: Sauté onions longer for a deeper, sweeter flavor base.

Mini Casseroles: Divide into ramekins for personal servings — perfect for dinner parties!

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without the fried onion topping, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and bake before serving.

Can I use canned green beans?
Fresh or frozen beans give the best texture, but canned beans can work in a pinch.

Can I use other mushrooms?
Yes! Button, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms all work beautifully.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free fried onions.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — perfect for feeding a crowd. Just use a larger baking dish.

Can I make it without cream?
You can use all milk or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

How do I keep the onions crispy?
Add them just before baking or halfway through to prevent sogginess.

Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes — thaw and pat dry before adding to the sauce.

Can I add cheese on top?
Definitely! Add grated Parmesan or cheddar under the onions for extra cheesiness.

How do I serve it perfectly?
Serve it hot, straight from the oven — the creamy sauce and crunchy topping are at their best that way!

🏁 Conclusion

This BA’s Best Green Bean Casserole is a fresh, modern take on the beloved holiday classic — creamy, savory, and full of comforting flavor. With tender green beans, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious homemade sauce, it’s the perfect side dish that complements any festive feast.

Every bite combines crisp green beans, rich Parmesan cream, and that signature crunchy onion topping. It’s nostalgia upgraded — a dish that captures the warmth of tradition while adding a gourmet touch.

So this holiday season, skip the canned soup and make this homemade Green Bean Casserole from scratch. It’s elegant, simple, and guaranteed to earn a permanent spot on your holiday table.