A bubbling green bean casserole belongs on many Southern holiday tables. This Carter Family Recipes interpretation celebrates the comforting home cooking associated with Dolly Parton, combining tender green beans, a homemade mushroom cream sauce, and crisp fried onions. It is not presented as a documented recipe written or endorsed by Dolly.

Explore the Dolly Parton Southern Kitchen collection for more family-style favorites.

Recipe information

Prep: 20 minutes · Cook: 35 minutes · Total: 55 minutes · Servings: 8 · Difficulty: Easy (2 of 5) · Cost: Economical (2 of 5) · Region: Southern United States

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for blanching
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups prepared crispy fried onions, divided

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes, until bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water; drain thoroughly.
3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and onion. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in the broth, followed by the milk and cream. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until thick enough to coat a spoon.
6. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
7. Fold the drained green beans and 1/2 cup crispy fried onions into the sauce. Spoon into the baking dish.
8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until bubbling around the edges.
9. Scatter the remaining 1 cup crispy fried onions evenly over the casserole. Bake for 5 more minutes, watching closely, until the topping is crisp and golden.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cook’s notes

Make ahead: Assemble the casserole without the fried-onion topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake until hot throughout, allowing extra time if chilled; add the topping for the final 5 minutes. Frozen beans: Thaw and drain well before combining with the sauce; skip blanching. Leftovers: Refrigerate promptly in a covered container for up to 3–4 days and reheat thoroughly.

Serving suggestions

Serve alongside roast turkey, baked ham, or Tennessee meatloaf. It pairs beautifully with skillet cornbread.

Editorial disclaimer: This independent Carter Family Recipes interpretation celebrates Southern food traditions associated with Dolly Parton. It is not claimed to be Dolly Parton’s own recipe. Carter Family Recipes is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dolly Parton or her representatives.