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Cozy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions

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This from-scratch green bean casserole features a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and cream cheese, topped with impossibly crunchy homemade fried onions. It’s the ultimate comfort food that will make you forget canned soup versions forever.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced into rings
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Neutral oil, for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

Instructions

  1. Prep the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for exactly 3 minutes. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Set aside.
  2. Start the fried onions: In a medium bowl, soak the sliced onions in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Build the sauce: Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add the heavy cream and whisk again. Reduce the heat to low.
  5. Add the cheese: Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until completely melted and incorporated. Then add the grated sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, whisking after each addition until fully melted. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, cayenne, and fresh thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Fry the onions: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, lift the onions from the buttermilk (let the excess drip off) and toss them in the flour mixture until well coated. Shake off excess flour and carefully add to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season immediately with a pinch of salt.
  7. Assemble the casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every bean is coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  8. Bake and top: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly around the edges and the onions are golden and fragrant.
  9. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese – pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect texture. The cornstarch in the fried onion coating is non-negotiable for maximum crunch. You can prep components ahead: blanch beans, make sauce, and fry onions a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready. Re-crisp fried onions in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before adding to casserole if prepping ahead. For gluten-free version, use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use unsweetened oat milk, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free cheddar.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, cheesy green bean casserole, homemade green bean casserole, from scratch green bean casserole, comfort food, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving side dish, crispy fried onions, cheese sauce

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/cozy-cheesy-green-bean-casserole-with-crispy-fried-onions/