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Cozy Loaded Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Crispy Onions Made Easy

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A comforting green bean casserole featuring crisp-tender green beans in a creamy, savory sauce topped with a golden mountain of crispy onions. Perfect for holidays or cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup white wine (optional, dry white like Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1.5 cups crispy onions (homemade or store-bought)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking and preserve color. Drain well and set aside.
  3. If making homemade crispy onions, heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Toss thinly sliced onions in 1/2 cup flour with a pinch of salt. Fry in batches until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels. If using store-bought, skip this step.
  4. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly pour in the milk and white wine (if using), whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the cream cheese until smooth, then add shredded cheddar. Stir until melted and creamy. Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
  8. Add the blanched green beans to the sauce, stirring gently to coat evenly.
  9. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.
  10. Scatter the crispy onions evenly over the surface, pressing lightly so they stick.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  12. Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Watch the onions closely to prevent burning—they should be golden but not dark brown. If the sauce seems too thick before baking, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of wine and skip Worcestershire sauce or use a vegan brand. Gluten-free flour and crispy onions can be used for a gluten-free version. Adding toasted pecans on top adds crunch and sweetness. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, crispy onions, holiday side dish, comfort food, easy casserole, cheesy green beans

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-loaded-green-bean-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-onions-made-easy/