Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole: The Easy Recipe That Wows Every Guest

If you’ve ever searched for the perfect side dish that feels both classic and elevated, the Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole might just be what your dinner table has been missing. It’s a dish that bridges the gap between nostalgia and gourmet comfort — the kind of recipe that makes your guests pause mid-bite just to say, “Wow, this is amazing.” What sets this version apart is its simplicity wrapped in sophistication. With fresh green beans, creamy homemade mushroom sauce, and a crisp golden onion topping, it transforms an ordinary casserole into something extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or planning a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish promises to deliver warmth, elegance, and pure satisfaction.

Why Barefoot Contessa’s Green Bean Casserole Stands Out

You’ve probably seen dozens of green bean casseroles before — but none quite like this one. The Barefoot Contessa’s take turns a humble, everyday side into a star attraction. Instead of relying on canned soups or shortcuts, this recipe focuses on fresh, wholesome ingredients that build flavor naturally.

• Gourmet with ease: You won’t need professional skills to pull this off. The steps are clear, and the results are impressive.
• Texture harmony: Each bite offers a satisfying mix of tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crisp onions.
• Perfect for gatherings: It complements any main course and shines on holiday tables, from Thanksgiving to Christmas dinners.
• Homemade touch: The balance of buttery sauce and earthy mushrooms gives it that signature Barefoot Contessa sophistication.

This isn’t just another casserole. It’s a dish that embodies everything you love about comfort food — only refined.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Barefoot Contessa’s Green Bean Casserole

The secret to a standout casserole lies in the ingredients you choose. Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this dish in your own kitchen.

Fresh Produce

• 1 pound (454 g) green beans, trimmed and cleaned
• 8 ounces (226 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work best)
• 1 onion, sliced into thin half-moons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Base

• 6 tablespoons (85 g) butter, divided
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk

Seasonings & Topping

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups (36 g) French fried onions for topping

You’ll notice that this ingredient list skips the canned soup entirely. By creating your own creamy mushroom base, you’ll get deeper flavors and a silky texture that makes every bite indulgent.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole

This recipe may look sophisticated, but once you follow each step, you’ll realize how easy it truly is.

Step 1 – Prep and Blanch the Green Beans

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the green beans and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, just until they turn a vibrant green. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This step, known as blanching, locks in their color and crispness. Once cooled, drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2 – Build Flavor with Sautéed Aromatics

In a large ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent and lightly golden. Toss in the sliced mushrooms, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until the edges caramelize. Stir in the minced garlic and let it release its aroma — this is where your kitchen starts to smell irresistible.

Step 3 – Make the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to maintain a smooth consistency. As the sauce thickens, season it again with salt and pepper. The end result should be rich, velvety, and able to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4 – Combine and Bake

Pour the sauce over the green bean and mushroom mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture back into the skillet or a baking dish. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbling and golden around the edges.

Step 5 – Add the Crunch

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions generously across the top. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes. The topping should turn beautifully crisp and golden without burning. That final crunch completes the dish — rich, creamy, and irresistibly textured.

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Barefoot Contessa Casserole

Every home cook has their little secrets, and a few thoughtful tweaks can make this dish truly exceptional:

• Master the blanching: That quick shock in ice water keeps beans vibrant and prevents them from turning mushy.
• Choose the right mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms bring a deeper, earthier flavor compared to basic white ones.
• Warm your milk: Adding warm milk to the roux helps create a smooth sauce without lumps.
• Make it ahead: Assemble your casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake just before serving.
• Timing the topping: Always add your crispy onions at the end to preserve their crunch and avoid burnt edges.

These small adjustments can turn a good casserole into a great one.

Creative Variations to Try

What makes this dish so versatile is its ability to adapt to your taste or occasion. Try one of these variations to give your casserole a personal touch:

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Add chopped jalapeños, roasted corn, and a hint of chili powder for a bolder, spicier flavor.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Mix in feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives for a vibrant, herby spin.
• Bacon and Goat Cheese Twist: Add crispy bacon bits and sprinkle goat cheese on top before baking for a rich, savory note.
• Vegan Version: Swap the butter for olive oil, use almond milk instead of dairy, and top with toasted almonds instead of fried onions.

Each variation brings a different personality to the table — and all are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Storing and Reheating Barefoot Contessa’s Green Bean Casserole

You’ll likely find yourself with an empty dish after serving this casserole, but if you do have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting their best:

• Refrigerate properly: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: If you want to prepare ahead, freeze it for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe container.
• Reheat with care: Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until hot. Add a splash of milk if needed to revive the creamy texture.
• Keep the topping separate: Store fried onions in a small airtight bag and add them after reheating to maintain crispiness.

With proper storage, your casserole stays as delicious as the day it was baked.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 6)

Serving Size: 1 portion
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

This is a satisfying dish that fits beautifully alongside lean meats, roasted poultry, or plant-based mains — hearty without being heavy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Barefoot Contessa Green Bean Casserole

Conclusion

You deserve a dish that feels both comforting and refined — and Barefoot Contessa’s Green Bean Casserole does exactly that. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor, proof that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. Every step, from blanching the beans to whisking that silky sauce, builds towards something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this casserole brings warmth and joy to every table it graces.

So go ahead — roll up your sleeves, grab those fresh green beans, and make your kitchen smell like a cozy holiday gathering. Once you serve this dish, it’ll become your go-to favorite year after year. And who knows? It might just be the recipe everyone asks you for next time they come over.

More Tasty Ideas

• Best Green Bean Casserole: A classic, made-from-scratch version of the holiday favorite with creamy sauce and crispy toppings—ideal for comparison or pairing with the Barefoot Contessa version.
• Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: A simple, flavorful side dish that brings a crisp and cheesy twist to fresh green beans—great for lighter holiday meals.
• Thanksgiving Carrots: A sweet and savory veggie side dish that complements green bean casseroles on any festive spread.

barefoot contessa green bean casserole

Print Recipe

Barefoot Contessa’s Green Bean Casserole is a comforting yet elegant side dish featuring crisp green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden fried onion topping. This homemade version delivers restaurant-quality flavor perfect for holidays or family dinners.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 pound (454 g) green beans, trimmed
• 8 ounces (226 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced into half-moons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) butter, divided
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups (36 g) French fried onions
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5–6 minutes until bright green. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine the green beans and mushroom sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Transfer mixture back into the skillet or baking dish.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden around the edges.
7. Remove from oven, top with French fried onions, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping is crisp and golden.

Notes

• Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and milk with almond milk.
• Add the fried onions at the end of baking to keep them crunchy.
• This dish can be assembled a day ahead and baked before serving.