Print

Crispy Green Bean Casserole with Fried Onions

crispy green bean casserole - featured image

A nostalgic, upgraded version of classic green bean casserole featuring homemade crispy fried onions, a rich cheddar cheese sauce, and tender blanched green beans.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for roux)
  • 1.5 cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for coating onions)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for onions)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Trim green beans and cut into 2-inch pieces.
  2. Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking. Pat dry thoroughly.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 2 minutes until light golden and nutty.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened (3-4 minutes). Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss sliced onions with 1/4 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  7. Fry onions in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
  8. In a baking dish, combine blanched green beans and cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
  9. Sprinkle crispy fried onions generously over the top.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, fry onions just before assembling to maintain crunch. Do not skip the ice bath for green beans to preserve color and texture. If making ahead, store sauce and beans separately; fry onions and assemble just before baking. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, fried onions, comfort food, holiday side dish, homemade casserole, cheddar cheese sauce, crispy onions