Fresh Green Bean Casserole with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Fresh green beans, bacon, and a creamy Parmesan sauce come together in this homemade green bean casserole that is sure to become your new go-to Thanksgiving side!
Skip the cans and make this fresh, flavorful green bean casserole from scratch. Creamy, crispy, and perfect for family dinners or the holidays.
Creamy Parmesan Green Bean Casserole (No Condensed Soup!)
This homemade green bean casserole uses fresh green beans, real ingredients, and crispy onions for the perfect holiday side dish. A traditional holiday favorite made better!
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list in the recipe card below.
Substitutions
- Bacon – Thick-cut bacon holds up best in the dish, but if you don’t care for bacon, you can also use ham.
- Onion – You can choose from white, yellow, or Vidalia onions.
- Baby Bella mushrooms – Alternatively, you could use white button mushrooms.
- Milk – Half and half is a good choice if you want a thicker, creamier sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – You could also use Asiago or Romano cheese as a good substitute.
- Crispy fried onions – if you don’t care for fried onions, breadcrumbs are another option.
Instructions
Boil the green beans and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl with ice water; set aside.
Add the bacon to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, then add the mushrooms.
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Whisk the flour into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Gradually stir in the milk, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Mix the green beans and bacon into the sauce, then transfer everything to a casserole dish. Top with crispy fried onions.
Bake for 20 minutes.
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Side Dish Recipes
How to store + reheat leftovers
Fresh Green Bean Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly reheated.
To freeze: If you want to freeze the dish, it is best to do so before baking. Assemble it up to the point of adding the crispy fried onions, then wrap in plastic wrap and layer with foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the onions and baking.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Yes, the mushrooms do add flavor, but the dish would still be good even without them.
It is to stop the cooking process, so they don’t overcook and become mushy when baked in the oven.
Yes, if you don’t want to cut them into one-inch pieces, they can stay long. However, I still recommend trimming them.
When your casserole is ready, the crispy fried onion topping will be golden brown and likely bubbling around the edges of the pan. If you see this, it means it’s heated all the way through and is done.
You can prepare it in advance. Assemble it up to the point of adding the crispy fried onion and baking, then cover and store in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before baking. Right before baking, add the crispy fried onion topping. This prevents it from becoming soggy while in the fridge. Note that it might take 5-10 minutes longer to bake since it will be starting from a colder temperature.
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Thank you! ~ Mary
Bacon Parmesan Green Bean Casserole (Fresh & Homemade)
Equipment
- Colander
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ pound bacon (thick cut) chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- ½ cup baby bella mushrooms finely chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 ounces crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl with ice water; set aside.
- Add the bacon to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Whisk the flour into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Gradually stir in the milk, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Mix the green beans and bacon into the sauce, then transfer everything to a casserole dish. Top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Serve & enjoy!
Notes
How should I store my Fresh Green Bean Casserole?
Fresh Green Bean Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly reheated. To freeze: If you want to freeze the dish, it is best to do so before baking. Assemble it up to the point of adding the crispy fried onions, then wrap in plastic wrap and layer with foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the onions and baking.Would this still be good if I left the mushrooms out?
Yes, the mushrooms do add flavor, but the dish would still be good even without them.Why do I need to put the green beans in ice water after boiling them?
It is to stop the cooking process, so they don’t overcook and become mushy when baked in the oven.Can I leave the green bean longer?
Yes, if you don’t want to cut them into one-inch pieces, they can stay long. However, I still recommend trimming them.How do I know for sure that it is finished baking?
When your casserole is ready, the crispy fried onion topping will be golden brown and likely bubbling around the edges of the pan. If you see this, it means it’s heated all the way through and is done.Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prepare it in advance. Assemble it up to the point of adding the crispy fried onion and baking, then cover and store in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before baking. Right before baking, add the crispy fried onion topping. This prevents it from becoming soggy while in the fridge. Note that it might take 5-10 minutes longer to bake since it will be starting from a colder temperature.want more recipes?
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