Easy Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole Recipe That Wows

Green bean casserole brings nostalgic comfort to any dinner table, transforming simple vegetables into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Family gatherings sparkle with this classic side dish that marries crisp produce with rich, velvety textures.

Homemade versions elevate the traditional recipe beyond canned ingredients, creating a more sophisticated culinary experience.

Seasonal green beans provide a fresh foundation for this beloved comfort food.

Creamy mushroom sauce adds depth and complexity to each delectable bite.

Crispy fried onions crown the casserole with a satisfying crunch that makes you crave every single forkful.

The perfect balance of flavors and textures awaits those who appreciate home-cooked elegance: prepare to be delighted.

Pointers for a Tasty Contessa Green Bean Casserole

• Transform Blanching Technique: Swiftly dunking green beans in boiling water stops enzyme activity, locks in nutrients, and prevents overcooking for stunning bright green results.
• Master Mushroom Selection: Opt for cremini or button varieties with firm, unblemished surfaces, slicing uniformly to guarantee consistent caramelization and rich flavor development.
• Craft Silky Cream Sauce: Incorporate warm milk gradually while continuously whisking to eliminate potential lumps, creating luxuriously smooth texture that embraces green beans perfectly.
• Simplify Advanced Preparation: Construct entire casserole one day ahead, refrigerate tightly covered, then allow 30-minute room temperature rest before baking for stress-free entertaining.
• Elevate Crispy Onion Technique: Strategically sprinkle French fried onions during final baking moments, ensuring maximum crunchiness without burnt edges.

Storing Contessa Green Bean Casserole

• Refrigeration Technique: Seal the casserole in a hermetic glass container to maintain optimal moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back bottom shelf, for maximum preservation.
• Topping Separation Strategy: Store crispy onion topping separately in a sealed zipper bag or airtight container to prevent sogginess. Sprinkle fresh crispy onions just before reheating to ensure maximum crunch and texture preservation.
• Freezing Method: Wrap the casserole tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you label the container with the date to track storage time. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the original flavor and texture.

Fun Variations on Contessa Green Bean Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Kick up the flavor by adding diced jalapeños, sprinkle chili powder, and mix in roasted corn kernels for a zesty southwestern-inspired green bean casserole.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace traditional seasonings with fresh rosemary, thyme, and crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean touch that transforms the classic recipe.
• Bacon and Goat Cheese Version: Crisp up chopped bacon and mix into the green bean mixture. Top with creamy goat cheese crumbles instead of French fried onions for a rich, tangy alternative that adds sophisticated flavor.
• Vegan Wellness Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk, use olive oil instead of butter, and replace French fried onions with toasted almond slices and nutritional yeast for a plant-based, nutrient-packed version of the casserole.

A Final Word on Contessa Green Bean Casserole

Culinary magic sparks from this Barefoot Contessa green bean casserole, where classic comfort meets gourmet sophistication.

Classic ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers nostalgic memories.

Crisp green beans nestle beneath a luxurious cream sauce, promising delectable moments around any dining table.

Mushrooms and onions provide earthy undertones, elevating this traditional side dish into something extraordinary.

Crispy french fried onions crown this masterpiece, delivering textural excitement with each forkful.

Readers, dive into this recipe, share its deliciousness across social platforms, and let passionate cooking conversations begin – your next kitchen adventure awaits!

Why Contessa Green Bean Casserole Outshines the Rest

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform the traditional green bean casserole into a gourmet dish with Barefoot Contessa's sophisticated twist that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between tender green beans, creamy homemade sauce, golden mushrooms, and crispy French fried onion topping that creates an irresistible multi-layered mouthfeel.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that allows both novice and experienced cooks to create a stunning side dish with simple techniques like blanching beans, making a quick cream sauce, and achieving perfect golden-brown results.

Must-Have Ingredients for Contessa Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Crisp and vibrant vegetable, main star of the casserole. Fresh beans provide the best texture and flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweet and savory depth to the base of the dish. A yellow or white onion works perfectly.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic and intense flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Butter: Creates rich base for sauce and helps sauté vegetables. Use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning.
• Milk: Helps create creamy sauce with smooth consistency. Whole milk recommended for best results.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth and luxurious cream sauce.

• Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish.
• French Fried Onions: Provides signature crunchy topping with golden brown texture. Store-bought works perfectly for easy preparation.

Creating Contessa Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep Green Beans

Fire up your oven to 350°F. Grab your green beans and give them a quick boil for 6 minutes until they shine a vibrant green. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or canned beans, they’ll work perfectly. Shock those beans in an ice bath to halt cooking, drain, and set aside in a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Builders

• Salt
• Pepper

Cook until mushrooms turn golden brown. Sprinkle in garlic and cook for another minute. Combine this flavor-packed mixture with the green beans in the bowl.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Base

In the same skillet, melt the remaining of butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk while continuously whisking. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 4 minutes. Pour this luxurious sauce over the green bean mixture and stir thoroughly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the green bean mixture back into the skillet. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until it’s hot and bubbling. If you’ve prepared this dish in advance and refrigerated it, let it sit at room temperature before baking.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Crown

Pull the casserole out of the oven and shower it with French fried onions. This is the secret to that irresistible crunch! Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping turns golden and crisp.

Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Green Bean Casserole from Barefoot Contessa elevates classic comfort with rich, creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping. Homemade elegance shines through this nostalgic side dish that brings warmth and sophisticated flavor to holiday gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) green beans, trimmed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) whole milk

Dairy and Fat Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter, divided
• 1 ½ cups (36 grams) French fried onions

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, sliced into half-moons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetable Base: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Submerge green beans for 5 to 6 minutes until they radiate a vibrant emerald hue. Immediately transfer to an ice water bath to halt cooking, then thoroughly drain and set aside in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Develop Aromatic Flavor Foundation: Melt 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Introduce sliced onions and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Incorporate sliced mushrooms, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and continue cooking until they achieve a rich golden-brown complexion.
3. Create Luxurious Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, dissolve remaining 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) of butter. Sprinkle all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually stream whole milk while whisking, maintaining smooth consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper, stirring until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Combine and Assemble Casserole: Gently fold cream sauce into green bean and vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution. Transfer entire mixture back into the skillet, creating a uniform layer.
5. Bake and Crisp: Place skillet in preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges bubble and center becomes heated through. Generously scatter crispy French fried onions across the surface, returning to oven for a final 4 to 5 minutes to achieve golden, crunchy topping.

Notes

• Elevate your green bean game with this restaurant-worthy casserole that transforms a classic holiday side into a culinary masterpiece.
• Use an ovenproof skillet to streamline your cooking process, reducing cleanup and creating a seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
• Blanch green beans in an ice bath to lock in their vibrant color and achieve that coveted tender-crisp texture that makes every bite delightful.
• Create a luxurious homemade cream sauce that blows away any canned alternative, developing rich, deep flavors by caramelizing mushrooms and onions together.
• Top with French fried onions for an irresistible golden crunch that adds the perfect textural contrast to the creamy, vegetable-packed base.
• Prepare this make-ahead friendly dish in advance, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy a stress-free meal that tastes like it was crafted in a professional kitchen.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 278 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg