Barefoot Contessa’s Irresistible Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green bean casserole whispers memories of cozy family dinners and warm embraces.

Crafted with love, this classic side dish transforms humble ingredients into a culinary symphony of textures and flavors.

Fresh green beans dance with creamy mushroom sauce, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes taste buds.

Each forkful promises a nostalgic journey through comfort food memories.

Crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch that elevates this simple vegetable medley.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a mouthwatering masterpiece that beckons everyone to the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That Goes Into Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Choose bright, crisp beans without blemishes or soft spots.
• Onions: Select firm onions with smooth, papery skin and no sprouts.
• Mushrooms: Pick firm, dry mushrooms without bruises or dark spots.
• Garlic: Look for plump, tight bulbs with no soft or shriveled cloves.

• Butter: Seek fresh, high-quality butter with rich, smooth texture.
• Flour: Choose all-purpose flour without lumps or expired dates.
• Milk: Opt for fresh, cold milk with no off-odors.

• French Fried Onions: Select crispy, golden onions with consistent color.

• Salt, Pepper: Choose fresh, fragrant spices from reputable brands.

Cooking Tools for Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole

• Oven: Preheating and baking essential component for the recipe.
• Large ovenproof skillet: Perfect for sautéing and transitioning from stovetop to oven.
• Mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining green beans and other ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for smoothly blending sauce and preventing lumps.
• Measuring spoons: Precise tool for adding salt and pepper.
• Ice bath: Quick method to stop bean cooking and maintain bright color.
• Colander: Helpful for draining green beans after boiling.
• Cutting board: Surface for slicing onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and mushrooms.
• Stovetop: Used for initial cooking stages before oven baking.

Bake Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole Like a Pro

• Fire Up the Oven and Prepare Beans

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. Quickly blanch green beans until they pop with vibrant color, then plunge them into an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

• Build Incredible Flavor Base

In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until they become soft and dreamy. Add mushrooms and cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Sprinkle in garlic for an extra flavor punch. Combine this magical mixture with your green beans.

• Create Creamy Sauce Magic

Using the same skillet, whisk flour into melted butter to create a silky base. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick coating. Season with your favorite herbs and spices.

• Bake and Transform

Pour the creamy bean mixture back into the skillet. Slide into the oven and let it bubble and blend for about 30 minutes. If you’ve prepared this ahead of time, let it rest at room temperature before baking.

• Add Crispy Crowning Glory

Pull the casserole from the oven and generously sprinkle with crispy fried onions. Return to the oven for a final 5-minute bake until the topping turns into a beautiful golden crunch. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tweak Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole with Ease

Explore creative twists on this classic green bean dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Replace mushrooms with diced bell peppers or crispy bacon bits for an instant flavor transformation. Vegetarian friends can add sliced almonds or nutritional yeast for extra protein and crunch.

Prepare the entire casserole up to two days before serving. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator and add the crispy onion topping just before baking. This trick saves precious time during busy holiday meals.

Sprinkle sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan between layers for a decadent cheesy upgrade. Experiment with different cheese combinations to create your signature green bean casserole that guests will request again and again.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to introduce a subtle heat. For adventurous cooks, try mixing in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the traditional recipe with unexpected depth of flavor.

Serving Tips for Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole

• Serve Alongside Hearty Proteins: Pair this green bean casserole with roasted turkey, juicy ham, or tender pot roast for a complete meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• Elevate Holiday Dinner Tables: Bring this classic side dish to Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, where it'll become an instant crowd-pleaser that everyone craves.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven for a stress-free, delicious side that tastes freshly made.
• Customize with Gourmet Touches: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, toasted almonds, or fresh chopped herbs like thyme or parsley on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture that will impress your guests.

Storing Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole Properly

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire green bean casserole up to 2 days before serving, then cover and refrigerate. Keep the crispy onion topping separate until just before baking to maintain maximum crunchiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Pack the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with aluminum foil, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Leftover Love: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore the crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Smart Serving Tips: Portion out individual servings before storing to make reheating easier and prevent multiple reheatings that can compromise the dish's quality.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Green bean casserole from Barefoot Contessa elevates this classic holiday side dish with crispy shallots and fresh ingredients. Home cooks can easily prepare this comforting recipe that brings warmth and elegance to any seasonal gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) green beans, trimmed
• 8 oz (226 g) sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion, sliced into half-moons
• 6 tbsps (85 g) butter, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (36 g) French fried onions
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Blanch Beans: Plunge green beans into boiling salted water for 5-6 minutes until brilliantly green. Shock in ice water, drain completely, and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a heavy skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent. Add mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until deeply caramelized and rich brown.
3. Craft Creamy Sauce: Within the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Dust with flour, whisking thoroughly to eliminate raw flavor. Slowly incorporate milk, stirring consistently until sauce thickens and smoothly coats utensil, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Assemble and Bake: Fold cream sauce into vegetable mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating. Transfer to baking dish, spreading evenly. Roast in preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until edges become effervescent and center warms completely.
5. Finish and Crisp: Sprinkle French fried onions across casserole surface. Return to oven for 4-5 minutes, allowing topping to transform into a golden, crispy crown.

Notes

• Blanch Beans Perfectly: Ensure vibrant green color by boiling beans exactly 5-6 minutes and shocking in ice water to stop cooking process, preserving crisp texture and bright appearance.
• Caramelize Mushrooms Strategically: Sauté mushrooms and onions over medium heat until deep golden-brown for maximum flavor development, releasing natural sugars and creating rich, complex taste profile.
• Whisk Sauce Smoothly: Eliminate lumps by continuously whisking flour and milk, cooking until sauce reaches thick, velvety consistency that coats spoon without being runny or overly dense.
• Crisp Onion Topping Technique: Add French fried onions during final 4-5 minutes of baking to achieve perfect golden crunch without burning, ensuring textural contrast and appetizing appearance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg