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Homemade green bean casserole without mushroom soup in a white dish with crispy topping and herbs.

Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup

This green bean casserole is made completely from scratch, no canned mushroom soup in sight! It’s creamy, flavorful, topped with a crispy finish, and perfect for holidays or comforting weeknight dinners. Easy to customize for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Casserole Base
  • 1 ½ pounds | green beans | trimmed fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons | unsalted butter | or olive oil
  • 1 small | yellow onion | finely chopped
  • 2 cloves | garlic | minced optional
  • 2 tablespoons | all-purpose flour | use GF flour for gluten-free
  • 1 cup | chicken or vegetable broth |
  • 1 cup | whole milk | or dairy-free alternative
  • ½ teaspoon | salt | adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon | black pepper |
  • ¼ teaspoon | ground nutmeg or paprika | optional
  • Optional Add-ins
  • ½ cup | shredded cheddar | or Gruyère
  • 2 tablespoons | grated Parmesan |
  • 1 teaspoon | Dijon mustard | optional flavor boost
  • Topping
  • 1 cup | crispy fried onions | or use panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For blanching green beans
  • 1 Skillet or saucepan For making the roux & sauce
  • 1 9x13 baking dish For assembling the casserole
  • 1 Mixing bowl To combine all ingredients

Method
 

  1. Prep the Green Beans
  2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 4–5 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain and pat dry.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce
  4. In a skillet, melt butter. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic (if using). Stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in broth and milk. Add seasonings. Simmer until thickened, 4–6 minutes.
  5. Combine & Assemble
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix green beans with sauce and optional cheese or mustard. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  7. Add the Topping
  8. Sprinkle with fried onions or buttered breadcrumbs.
  9. Bake
  10. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • To make ahead: Assemble casserole without topping, refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake with topping added fresh.
  • Customize easily for gluten-free, vegan, or keto-friendly needs (see full article for detailed variations).
  • Add-ins like mushrooms, or lentils can make it heartier.