She Strengthens

Revamp Your Holiday Menu with a Scratch-Made Green Bean Casserole

The Classic Dish Gets a Gourmet Twist

Green bean casserole is a staple at many holiday gatherings, but let’s face it – the canned condensed soup and fried onions can get old. This year, elevate your game with a from-scratch version that’s sure to impress.

A Creamy Mushroom Sauce Takes Center Stage

We’re ditching the canned goods for a rich, creamy mushroom sauce made from scratch. With sautéed cremini mushrooms, onions, and a hint of flour, this sauce is the perfect complement to fresh green beans. And instead of fried onions, we’re topping it off with a crunchy onion-panko breadcrumb mixture that adds a satisfying crunch.

Worth the Extra Effort

This recipe may take a bit more time and effort than the classic version, but trust us, it’s worth it. With 8-10 servings and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 45 minutes, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Get Started with These Essential Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 9 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 12 ounces cremini mushrooms, stems trimmed and cut into small dice
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Stress-Free Cooking Experience

1. Preheat and Prep
   Heat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a large frying pan over medium heat until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Set aside.

2. Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
   Wipe out the frying pan with paper towels, add 3 tablespoons of butter, and melt over medium heat until foaming. Add the onion and cook until just softened and starting to brown, about 15 minutes. Then, add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, melt, and add the mushrooms. Cook until browned and the liquid is almost all evaporated, about 5-6 minutes.

3. Cook Green Beans and Combine
   Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and cook until bright green and crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Then, add the cooked green beans to the mushroom mixture and stir to combine.

4. Assemble and Bake
   Transfer the mixture to a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the reserved panko-onion mixture across the top, and continue baking until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and heated through, about 10-15 minutes more. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

The Result: A Show-Stopping Side Dish

With its creamy mushroom sauce, crunchy onion topping, and fresh green beans, this scratch-made green bean casserole is sure to steal the show at your holiday gathering. So why settle for the same old canned version when you can elevate your menu with this gourmet twist?