🥄Creamy, Crunchy, and Straight-From-Grandma’s Kitchen

Some sides feel like a hug from the past.
This Paula Deen Style Southern Green Bean Casserole is one of them—tender green beans tucked into a velvety mushroom cream and blanketed with a thick, golden layer of crispy onions that crackles at the first scoop.

It’s the kind of cozy you crave on big holidays and Sunday suppers alike.
Inspired by the old-fashioned casseroles you grew up loving, this dish keeps the spirit of southern recipes alive while landing on the table with modern, weeknight-simple steps.
Serve it with turkey, ham, or pot roast, and watch this star outshine the rest of your thanksgiving side dishes.

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🥕 Ingredients

• 2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or 4 cans cut green beans, well drained)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot (or ½ small onion), finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped (optional but classic)
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, warm
• 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%), warm
• ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh, chopped)
• ½ tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black or white pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, cozy lift)
• 2 to 2½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: ½ cup finely grated Parmesan (extra savory depth)

Little lift: a tiny pinch of nutmeg warms the creamy base without stealing the spotlight.

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🍳 How to Make Paula Deen Style Southern Green Bean Casserole

1. Blanch the beans (if using fresh).
   Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil.
   Add beans; cook 4–5 minutes until bright and crisp-tender.
   Drain and plunge into ice water; drain again and pat dry.
   This keeps the casserole silky, not watery.
2. Build the flavor base.
   Melt butter in a wide skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   Add shallot and a pinch of salt; cook until soft and glossy.
   Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Sauté the mushrooms.
   Add mushrooms; cook until they release liquid and it cooks off.
   The pan should smell deep and savory.
4. Make the creamy sauce.
   Sprinkle flour over the pan; stir 60–90 seconds.
   Gradually whisk in warm broth, then warm milk, until smooth.
   Simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce coats a spoon.
5. Season to Southern perfection.
   Add thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
   Stir in Parmesan if you’d like a gently savory finish.
   Taste and adjust—this is where the “old-fashioned” magic sets in.
6. Combine.
   Fold in green beans until every piece is glossy and coated.
   If the sauce feels too tight, loosen with a splash of warm milk.
   If thin, simmer 1–2 minutes more.
7. Top and bake.
   Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Transfer to a 9×13 (or similar) baking dish.
   Crown generously with crispy fried onions.
   Bake 15–18 minutes until bubbling at the edges and the top is deep golden.
8. Rest and serve.
   Let it sit 5 minutes so layers settle.
   Scoop big and enjoy that creamy-crunchy contrast.

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🎨 Benefits Table

Why You’ll Love It	What It Delivers	Holiday Win
Creamy & Crunchy	Velvety sauce + shattery onion crown.	That first-bite snap.
Southern Nostalgia	Grandma’s flavor, modern ease.	Fits any classic spread.
Make-Ahead Friendly	Assemble early, bake later.	Stress-free timing.
Flexible	Fresh or canned beans, with/without mushrooms.	Customize to taste.
Crowd-Pleaser	Cozy, comforting flavor.	Requested year after year.

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🍽️ Why This Old-Fashioned Version Works

Fresh beans keep their color and a gentle snap.
Real mushrooms add a savory backbone you can’t get from a can.
The sauce simmers smooth and glossy, and the onions go deeply crisp in the oven.

It’s everything people want from green bean casserole recipes—comfort, texture, and that familiar holiday aroma—made with simple steps and everyday ingredients.

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🌿 Make-It-Yours Twists

No mushrooms
Skip them; add a teaspoon of soy or Worcestershire for quiet depth.

Extra onion ring energy
Mix a handful of panko with the fried onions and a drizzle of melted butter; scatter thick for serious crunch.

Cheesy holiday
Layer a little mozzarella or Gruyère under the onions for a melty middle without losing the classic vibe.

Light & bright
Use more broth and 1% milk, simmer the sauce a minute longer, and finish with lemon zest.

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🔥 Texture Tips for a Silky Center

• Warm the broth and milk before whisking in—keeps the sauce lump-free.
• Toast the flour briefly with the aromatics—no raw flour taste.
• If the casserole sits a bit, stir in a splash of warm milk to bring back the silk.

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⏱️ Make-Ahead & Reheat (Holiday Timing)

• Make ahead (up to 2 days): Assemble beans + sauce in the dish; cover and refrigerate. Keep onions separate.
• Bake day: Warm covered at 350°F (177°C) until hot (20–25 minutes), then add onions and bake uncovered 10–12 minutes to crisp.
• Travel tip: Bring the topping in a bag; add and finish at your destination so it stays crunchy.

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🥗 What to Serve It With

• Roast turkey with pan drippings
• Baked ham with glaze
• Prime rib or roast chicken
• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Cranberry sauce and warm rolls

This is the side that anchors holiday recipes, brightens comfort food recipes, and slots right in with classic thanksgiving recipes.

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🌶️ Little Flavor Boosters

• Fresh thyme leaves sprinkled after baking
• A drizzle of good olive oil over the onion crown
• A tiny pinch of smoked paprika in the sauce
• A spoon of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) whisked in for tangy richness

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📌 Quick Recap

Blanch beans.
Sauté aromatics and mushrooms.
Whisk a silky cream sauce.
Fold in beans.
Top with crispy onions.
Bake to golden and bubbly.

That’s the Paula Deen Style Southern Green Bean Casserole your table will ask for every year.

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Best Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipes
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“Cravings whisper. Traditions answer. For more cozy thanksgiving side dishes and holiday recipes, find us on Pinterest.”

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