Amazing Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole Recipe!

Okay, gather ’round, friends! Let’s talk about something near and dear to my heart (and my family’s stomachs!): Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole. I remember the first time I attempted this dish. It was Thanksgiving, I was newly married, and determined to impress my in-laws. Let’s just say the original recipe I followed resulted in a gloppy, flavorless mess that was quickly relegated to the back of the fridge, never to be seen again. Sigh. But, I’m not one to give up easily, especially when there’s delicious potential involved. This Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole is a far cry from that initial disaster!

Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected this Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole recipe, creating a version that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It’s become a staple at our holiday gatherings, potlucks, and even just a simple weeknight dinner when we’re craving something comforting. I realized, the magic was in skipping the canned soup, adding fresh garlic, and of course, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. This Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole is truly special. And the best part? It’s actually really easy to make – even on a busy weeknight. Trust me, if I can pull it off with two rambunctious kids underfoot, you can too! I find that while the oven is preheating, I get the kids involved by having them snap the ends off of the green beans. It saves me time and they love to help.

My goal with all my recipes here on Delilita is to make cooking fun and accessible for everyone. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients needed! Just good, honest food that brings people together. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! I promise, this Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole will become a new family favorite! And if you’re looking for another comforting casserole recipe, you might enjoy my Cheesy Green Bean Casserole! Or if you are looking for another quick and easy parmesan garlic side dish you have to check out my Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe!

Alright, let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this amazing Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole. I’m a firm believer in using the best quality ingredients you can afford, because it really does make a difference in the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed: I always use fresh green beans for my Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole. Frozen work in a pinch, but fresh just have a better texture and flavor.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is my preference so I can control the salt level.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s key to the flavor of this Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole. I’m pretty sure that my husband loves this recipe as much as he does because of the garlic!
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken the sauce.
• 2 cups milk: I use whole milk for extra creaminess, but you can use 2% if you prefer.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best, but the pre-shredded stuff works too.
• 1/4 cup sour cream: This adds a lovely tang to the casserole. I always add sour cream to my Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions: The classic topping! I prefer the name brand, but any will do!

When making Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole, you can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store. For the Parmesan cheese, I often buy a block and grate it myself – it’s usually cheaper that way! Here’s a Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole trick I learned from my grandma: If you want a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of regular melted butter. It adds a nutty depth that’s just divine!

And for those of you who are short on time (like me!), here’s a Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole ingredient prep shortcut: buy pre-trimmed green beans! It’ll save you a few minutes. As for storage, I keep any leftover Parmesan cheese wrapped tightly in the fridge – it lasts for weeks that way! I also put the french fried onions in a ziplock bag and keep them in the pantry.

Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get down to actually making this Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole. I promise, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious, creamy casserole in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that oven nice and toasty!
2. Steam or boil the green beans until tender-crisp. I prefer steaming because it helps them retain more of their nutrients. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcook them – you want them to still have a little bite.
3. While the green beans are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. I love the smell of butter melting! Mmm.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – burnt garlic is bitter!
5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute more. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps. This is where a good whisk comes in handy!
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened. Don’t worry if your Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole sauce seems a little thin at first – it will thicken as it simmers.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mmm, that cheesy goodness!
9. Add the cooked green beans to the sauce and stir to combine. Make sure all the green beans are coated in that luscious sauce.
10. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. A little cooking spray or butter will do the trick!
11. Top with the French fried onions. I like to sprinkle them evenly over the entire surface.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown. In my kitchen, Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole usually takes about 22 minutes, but every oven is different. Just keep an eye on it!
13. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the sauce to set up a bit.

I learned the hard way with Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole that it’s best to use a glass baking dish. Metal ones tend to make the onions burn more easily. While the Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or start prepping the rest of the meal. Your Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole should smell like garlicky, cheesy heaven!

And here’s a family-tested Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole shortcut: If you’re really short on time, you can skip the steaming/boiling step and just add the raw green beans to the sauce. They’ll cook in the oven, but they might be a little crunchier. Alternatively, for a healthier take on a green bean casserole recipe, try roasting your green beans with garlic and parmesan until crisp. This may cut down on the creaminess but you will still get that delicious garlic parmesan side dish!

Now that you’ve got a gorgeous Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole bubbling away, let’s talk about serving! My family loves this Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole when I pair it with a simple roasted chicken or a juicy pork loin. It’s also fantastic alongside a hearty beef stew or even a grilled steak. This holiday casserole also goes great with turkey or ham.

For side dishes, I often serve it with mashed potatoes (because who doesn’t love mashed potatoes?), a simple green salad, or some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. This Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole is perfect for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas, potlucks, or even just a cozy Sunday dinner.

As for presentation, I like to garnish the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra Parmesan cheese shavings before serving. It just makes it look a little extra special! If you have extra Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole (which is rare in my house!), it’s delicious reheated the next day. You can also chop it up and add it to an omelet or frittata for a tasty breakfast!

Friends always ask for this Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole recipe whenever I make it, so I know it’s a crowd-pleaser. One seasonal variation I’ve tried is adding some sautéed mushrooms to the casserole – it adds a lovely earthy flavor. You may also enjoy reading about This one’s a holiday favorite around our house — my Creamy Green … on Facebook.

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole recipe. I’ve been there, and I’m here to help!

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh? Yes, you can, but I highly recommend using fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor. If you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the sauce. You know what I do when my Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole is with frozen green beans? I pat them dry after they are thawed to help get rid of some of the water.
• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge, covered. Just add the French fried onions right before baking. I always make a Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole ahead of time, it helps me save time during the holiday madness!
• My sauce is too thick/thin. What do I do? If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Can I use a different type of cheese? Sure! Asiago, Gruyere, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious in this casserole. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be different from the Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole.
• Can I make this vegetarian/vegan? To make this vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, use a plant-based milk, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You will also need to find or make your own vegan sour cream. My family prefers the original Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole recipe so I haven’t made those changes myself yet.
• The French fried onions are burning! What do I do? If the onions start to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil for the remaining baking time.
• Can I add bacon to this casserole? Oh my goodness, YES! Cooked and crumbled bacon would be a fantastic addition to this Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole. I learned from reader feedback that this makes it more kid-friendly as well.
• How long will leftovers last? Leftover Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

This Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder that even kitchen mishaps can lead to something truly delicious. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance (and a little bit of Parmesan cheese!). I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. It’s a reliable recipe, and I’ve gotten so many compliments from my family and friends about it over the years.

Here are some of my Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole Pro Tips:

• Use fresh garlic! It makes a huge difference in the flavor.
• Don’t overcook the green beans! You want them to still have a little bite.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add your favorite seasonings or cheeses to make it your own.

As for variations, we’ve tried adding mushrooms, bacon, and even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. My son, Ethan, loves the bacon version, while my daughter, Olivia, prefers it with mushrooms.

I encourage you to make this Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole your own. Add your favorite ingredients, tweak the seasonings to your liking, and most importantly, have fun with it! My hope is that this recipe will become a staple in your family’s kitchen, just as it has in mine. I promise, once you taste this creamy, cheesy goodness, you’ll never go back to the canned soup version again! I also have a creamy white bean soup recipe that is very popular on my blog! For a side dish, I have a Parmesan Garlic Green Bean Casserole – Three Olives Branch that might also interest you.

So, go ahead, give this Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole a try. I have a feeling you and your family will absolutely love it!