If you’re craving a side dish that perfectly balances elegance with comfort, look no further than this French Green Bean Casserole Recipe. This delightful casserole elevates the classic green bean bake by using tender haricots verts, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety cheese sauce, crowned with crispy fried onions for irresistible crunch. It’s a dish that never fails to impress at holiday dinners or casual family meals, bringing vibrant color and sophisticated flavors to your table with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this French Green Bean Casserole Recipe plays an essential role, adding layers of texture, flavor, and richness that make every bite memorable. The list is simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious and satisfying dish.
- French green beans (haricots verts), 1 ½ pounds: These thin, tender beans provide crispness and a fresh, vibrant green color that sets this casserole apart.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons: Adds creamy richness and helps soften the onions and mushrooms to build the sauce foundation.
- Small yellow onion, finely chopped: Offers sweetness and depth when gently sautéed, enhancing every mouthful.
- Garlic cloves, 2 minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a subtle punch of flavor.
- Cremini or white mushrooms, 8 ounces sliced: Bring earthiness and meaty texture, perfectly complementing the green beans and cheese.
- All-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the beans and mushrooms.
- Whole milk, 1 cup: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the cheesy sauce.
- Heavy cream, ½ cup: Adds extra velvety richness and indulgence.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon: A light touch of warmth to balance the creaminess.
- Ground nutmeg, â…› teaspoon: Brings a whisper of cozy spice that brightens the dish subtly.
- Gruyère or Parmesan cheese, 1 cup grated: This is the star of the sauce, melting into luscious, nutty goodness that defines this French take on a classic casserole.
- Crispy fried onions, 1 cup plus extra for topping: Impart an addictive crunch and toasted flavor contrast that finishes the dish with flair.
How to Make French Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Blanch the French green beans for 3 to 4 minutes in boiling salted water until they turn a bright, fresh green and begin to soften just slightly. Immediately transfer them to ice water to halt cooking and preserve that gorgeous color. Drain well and set aside—this quick blanching locks in both crispness and freshness, crucial for the casserole’s texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add your finely chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms release moisture and start to turn golden brown, creating a deeply savory base for the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir for one minute to cook out the raw taste. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken over 3 to 4 minutes into a silky, smooth consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then stir in the grated cheese until melted and luscious.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Fold the blanched green beans and half of the crispy fried onions gently into the creamy mixture. Transfer everything evenly to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Top with the remaining fried onions for that iconic crunchy finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and golden on top.
How to Serve French Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming touch, sprinkle extra crispy fried onions right before serving to amplify the delightful crunch. Freshly chopped parsley or thyme also adds lovely color and a subtle fresh herb aroma that brightens the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This French Green Bean Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, as well as rich gratins or buttery mashed potatoes. Think of it as the elegant green vegetable side that adds texture, color, and gourmet flair to any celebratory spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy dinner party or in a rustic casserole dish for cozy family dinners. You can also create a layered version with sliced roasted potatoes underneath for a heartier twist that invites everyone back for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even further after sitting overnight, making for a delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to one month. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. To restore crispiness, you can add a few extra fried onions on top before heating.
FAQs
Can I use regular green beans instead of French green beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While French green beans (haricots verts) are thinner and more tender, standard green beans will work just fine. Just be sure to trim and blanch them properly to achieve the right texture.
What cheese works best in this French Green Bean Casserole Recipe?
Gruyère provides a wonderfully rich, nutty flavor that’s authentic to this French-inspired dish, but Parmesan is a great alternative if you prefer a sharper or lighter cheese intensity.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and choose a vegan cheese substitute that melts well. Crispy fried onions are generally vegan but check the label to be sure.
Can I prepare parts of this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can blanch the green beans and prepare the mushroom sauce a day ahead, then assemble and bake fresh on the day you’re serving. This saves time and lets flavors meld wonderfully.
Why is blanching the green beans important?
Blanching helps preserve the beans’ bright color, crisp-tender texture, and fresh flavor — all vital qualities that keep the casserole lively rather than mushy or dull.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this French Green Bean Casserole Recipe and experience its perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, and fresh elements. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that adds a sophisticated twist to any meal while remaining easy to prepare. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
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French Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Green Bean Casserole is a sophisticated twist on the classic holiday side dish, featuring tender haricots verts, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with crispy fried onions. It offers a rich blend of flavors with Gruyère or Parmesan cheese making it perfect for festive dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds French green beans (haricots verts), trimmed
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and blanch: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3 to 4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
- Combine and bake: Fold the blanched green beans and half of the crispy fried onions into the sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Top with the remaining crispy onions and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead: assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for convenience.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the mushroom mixture during cooking.
- Gruyère cheese imparts a rich French flavor, but Parmesan is a great substitute if preferred.
