Name: Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh or frozen green beans; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock; 2 cups half and half; 1 ½ cups French fried onions

There’s just something about the perfect balance of velvety sauce and crispy topping that makes this Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe legitimately irresistible. It's that cozy dish that somehow feels both fancy and homey at the same time, perfect for holiday dinners but easy enough for a weeknight side too.

Creamy Green Bean Casserole - Recipe Image

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe because it hits all the right notes—comfort, flavor, and texture. Whenever I make it, I’m reminded why this casserole keeps showing up at family dinners year after year.

Perfect Creamy Sauce: The combination of half and half with chicken stock and a little Dijon mustard creates a rich, silky sauce that clings beautifully to every green bean.
Fresh or Frozen Ready: You can use fresh green beans or frozen without sacrificing flavor or texture, making this recipe super flexible.
That Iconic Crunch: French fried onions on top add that perfect crispy, savory finish that everyone loves.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items—this recipe uses pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe plays a special role, bringing harmony to the dish. Here’s why these choices matter, plus some tips to help you pick the best versions.

Green Beans: Fresh beans give you the best snap and color, but frozen works like a charm too—just blanch and drain them well to avoid sogginess.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you control over seasoning, making sure your casserole isn’t too salty.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your thickening agent—it helps turn simple ingredients into a luscious cream sauce.
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These bring subtle depth without overpowering the delicate beans.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Season just right to enhance flavors—freshly cracked pepper really brightens the dish.
Ground Nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth and complexity—not something everyone expects but definitely notices.
Dijon Mustard: Secret weapon! It adds a tangy kick that lifts the creamy sauce.
Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Adds savory richness and keeps the sauce from tasting flat.
Half and Half: Creamy but not too heavy, it’s the key to silky smoothness.
French Fried Onions: The crown jewel topping—totally worth buying or making yourself for that crunch.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I often play around with this recipe, tweaking it just a little to suit the occasion or dietary needs. Don’t be shy about making it truly yours—it’s a forgiving dish!

Add Cheese: Once, I stirred in some shredded sharp cheddar before baking—adding a gooey, cheesy twist that was a total crowd-pleaser.
Go Dairy-Free: Swap half and half for coconut or oat milk, and use a vegan butter to keep it creamy without dairy.
Herb Boost: Fresh thyme or rosemary mixed into the cream sauce adds a fragrant note that’s lovely for fall dinners.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe

Step 1: Blanch Those Green Beans

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this helps brighten the beans’ color and flavor. Drop in your green beans and cook just until they’re nearly tender, about 3 minutes fresh or 2 minutes frozen. Then, immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop cooking and lock in that vibrant green. Pat them dry really well before transferring to your baking dish to avoid a watery casserole later on.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard. Cook this a couple minutes until it’s fragrant—that step really wakes up the flavors. Slowly whisk in the stock until smooth, then add half and half and bring it to a simmer, stirring until it thickens nicely. It should coat the back of a spoon—rich and silky without being too thick.

Step 3: Combine & Bake

Pour that luscious sauce over your drained green beans and toss gently to coat every bite. Pop it in the oven at 375°F and bake until the sauce bubbles and everything is warm—about 20 minutes. Take it out, stir it up, and top liberally with French fried onions. Back into the oven it goes for another 10 minutes until the onions are gloriously golden and crispy.

Top Tip

Careful balance is the heart of getting this casserole just right. From my experience, details make all the difference when you want that perfect Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe.

Don’t Overcook the Beans: Blanching to just tender keeps them crisp-tender after baking, so they don’t turn mushy.
Dry Your Beans Thoroughly: Excess water leads to a watery sauce. I always pat mine down well after the ice bath.
Season the Sauce Well: Taste it before adding veggies—sometimes a little extra salt or mustard boosts the flavor hugely.
French Onion Timing: Add the crispy onions only near the end so they stay crunchy, not soggy.

How to Serve Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe

Creamy Green Bean Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with classic French fried onions for that perfect crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top after baking to add a pop of color and freshness—makes the dish look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or pulled pork, but I also love it beside mashed potatoes or a simple roasted chicken. The creamy texture complements hearty mains and balances out sharper or spicier flavors well.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m making this for a holiday gathering, I sometimes serve it in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own perfect portion with just the right amount of crispy topping. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass casserole dish so those golden onions peek through for instant appetite appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently so the sauce doesn’t separate—microwaving with a small splash of milk or stock helps keep it creamy.

Freezing

This dish freezes pretty well—just make it through Step 3 before topping with French onions. Freeze in an airtight container, and when you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding onions just before the final 10 minutes to keep them crisp.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil for about 20 minutes to prevent drying out. Then uncover it, add some extra French onions on top if needed, and bake another 5–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned green beans for this casserole?

Canned green beans aren’t ideal for this recipe because they tend to be softer and more watery, which can make the casserole mushy. Fresh or frozen green beans hold up much better when baked.

What can I substitute for French fried onions?

If you can’t find French fried onions, crushed crispy shallots or even crushed potato chips can add a similar crunch. For a homemade option, sauté thinly sliced onions until golden and crisp, then drain and cool before topping.

Can I make this casserole vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based butter and replace the half and half with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. For stock, opt for vegetable broth. You can also find vegan French fried onions or make your own using vegan-friendly oil.

How far ahead can I prepare this casserole?

You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, keeping it uncovered in the fridge or lightly covered for a few hours. Add the French fried onions and bake just before serving for the freshest texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Green Bean Casserole with French Onions Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. I always look forward to making it because it’s effortless yet impresses every single time. Try it out, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too—easy, comforting, and always delicious.