Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole is a classic twist on a holiday favorite that’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with fresh green beans. It features tender green beans mixed with a rich mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions that add the perfect little crunch to every bite. This casserole brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both homey and special.
I always love making this dish when I want something comforting yet fresh. The green beans stay nice and crisp instead of getting mushy, which makes a big difference in texture. I find that using fresh green beans really elevates the whole casserole, and those fried onions on top make everyone smile—no one can resist that crispy finish! It’s one of those dishes that feels familiar but still exciting at the same time.
When I serve this casserole, I like to bring it straight from the oven for that warm, inviting smell everyone loves. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken or turkey, making it a perfect side dish for family dinners or holiday meals. Honestly, it’s such a crowd-pleaser that I often make extra because it tends to disappear fast! It’s a simple way to add some green veggies to the table with plenty of flavor and comfort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans bring a crisp texture and bright flavor. If fresh aren’t available, frozen green beans work too—just thaw and drain well to avoid extra moisture.
Cremini Mushrooms: Cremini give a mild, earthy taste. Baby bella or white button mushrooms are good substitutes if needed. Dried mushrooms could work, but rehydrate them first.
French-Fried Onions: These are key for the crunchy topping. You can find them in the produce or snack aisle. For a homemade option, thinly slice onions, coat with flour, and fry until crispy.
Mushroom Sauce Base: The mix of butter, flour, milk, and cream creates a creamy sauce. You can swap whole milk for 2% milk but keep the cream for richness. Soy sauce adds umami—if avoiding soy, try Worcestershire or a dash of miso paste.
How Do You Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce Without Lumps?
Making a smooth sauce can seem tricky, but here’s how I do it:
- First, cook the onions and mushrooms until soft and their liquid cooks off completely. This concentrates flavor and prevents watery sauce.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly and stir constantly to cook out the raw taste—this also helps thicken the sauce.
- When adding milk and cream, whisk continuously and add slowly. This stops lumps from forming.
- Simmer gently to thicken the sauce further. Stir often to keep it smooth.
Patience is the key. Take your time at each step and your sauce will be rich, creamy, and beautifully smooth every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use it to blanch the green beans quickly and keep them fresh-looking.
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the mushroom and onion mixture evenly.
- Whisk – helps stir the sauce smoothly without lumps.
- 2-quart casserole dish – the ideal size to bake the casserole and keep everything cozy.
- Colander – makes draining the green beans easy and mess-free.
- Slotted spoon – helps transfer the beans without excess water.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace cremini mushrooms with shiitake or button mushrooms for different flavors.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits or pancetta for a smoky crunch.
- Stir in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra freshness.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to spice things up.
Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups chopped yellow onions (about 1 large onion)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 cups French-fried onions, divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and cooking this casserole will take about 15 minutes for prep and about 30 minutes for baking. You’ll also need a few minutes to blanch the green beans beforehand, so overall plan for around 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Green Beans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 2-quart casserole dish and set it aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until just tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain them and quickly plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again well and set aside.
2. Cook the Onion, Garlic, and Mushrooms:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the sliced mushrooms along with 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and their liquid evaporates, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion and mushroom mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour flavor. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Combine and Bake:
Take the sauce off the heat. Gently fold in the blanched green beans and 1 cup of the French-fried onions. Pour this mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of French-fried onions. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden on top.
5. Serve:
Let your casserole rest for 5 minutes once it’s out of the oven. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect creamy, crunchy green bean side dish that’s fantastic for any holiday or family meal.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding to the casserole to prevent it from becoming watery.
How Do I Make the French-Fried Onion Topping Crispy?
For extra crispy onions, add half before baking and sprinkle the rest on right after baking while the casserole is hot. This keeps them crunchy and fresh.
Can I Prepare the Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without the topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the fried onions and bake just before serving for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you don’t have soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce or a small pinch of miso paste works well to add that savory umami flavor.