Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Gather ’round, food adventurers, because I’m about to take you on a comforting journey straight to flavor town with my ultimate creamy green bean casserole. Trust me, once you nail this dish, you’ll have everyone swooning at the dinner table, begging for the recipe like it’s the secret to eternal bliss!

I enjoy preparing meals that are tasty and comforting, and this Fresh Green Bean Casserole is just that. It is the dish version of a cozy bowl of creamy soup.

Crisp green beans, sautéed onions and garlic, and savory mushrooms are combined in a luscious sauce and baked until bubbling and browned. Topped with crunchy fried onions, this is a delicious twist on the Green Bean Casserole of my youth.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Fresh Green Beans: High in fiber and vitamins, they add a healthy crunch.
• Onion: Rich in antioxidants, offering depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic: Known for boosting immunity, it adds a pungent flavor.
• Mushrooms: Low in calories, they are a great source of vitamin D.
• Heavy Cream: Adds rich creaminess, providing smooth texture and flavor.
• French Fried Onions: A crispy topping that introduces a savory crunch.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup French fried onions
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make this Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe

1. Set your oven to an even temperature of 375° (190° C). Make sure to let the oven run and heat up for about 15 minutes before you start baking.

2. In a big pot of salted boiling water, cook fresh green beans for 5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Drain well and set aside.

3. In a big frying pan on medium, melt the butter. Toss in the chopped onion and cook, stirring it fairly regularly, until the onion is slightly sweet, totally soft, and perfectly translucent, about 4 minutes. Then, carry on with the recipe…

4. Combine the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in a heated pan. Stir-fry until the mushrooms’ moisture evaporates and they’re soft.

5. Put the flour over the mushroom mixture and mix for 1 minute until it is completely integrated.

6. Slowly stir the chicken broth into the mixture, being careful to prevent the formation of any lumps. Cook it over medium heat, stirring almost constantly, until it has thickened to a nice, smooth, somewhat pudding-like consistency.

7. Add the heavy cream and cook until the sauce has thickened to your liking, stirring constantly and tasting for seasoning. You should end up with a rich, deeply flavored sauce. If you’d like, you can also stir in some freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese at this point.

8. Stir the sauce over the cooked green beans in the skillet until all the beans are coated and the sauce is evenly distributed.

9. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish that has been greased. If you desire, place some French-fried onions on top, and sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the dish.

10. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes. It should be bubbling in the pan, and the top should be golden brown. If it starts to brown too much, cover the top loosely with foil.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large pot
3. Colander
4. Large frying pan/skillet
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Chef’s knife
9. Cutting board
10. Casserole dish
11. Aluminum foil (optional)

FAQ

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
  Yes, you can substitute frozen green beans for fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.
• How can I make this dish vegetarian?
  To make it vegetarian, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
• Can I make this casserole in advance?
  Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance up to the baking step. Store it in the refrigerator, then add the French fried onions and bake when ready to serve.
• What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
  Button or cremini mushrooms work well, but feel free to use your favorite type.
• Is it necessary to include Parmesan cheese?
  Parmesan cheese adds a nice flavor, but it is optional. You can omit it to suit your preference or dietary needs.
• Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
  Heavy cream gives a richer texture, but you can use whole milk for a lighter version, keeping in mind that the sauce will be thinner.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Green beans:
Consider substituting 1 pound of broccoli florets or asparagus for a different take on the classic dish.
Unsalted butter:
Use olive oil if you want a lighter option, or try coconut oil for a subtly unique flavor.
Chicken broth:
Substitute with vegetable broth for a version that is friendly to those who are vegetarian.
Heavy cream:
Use half-and-half for a lighter consistency or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative to lighten the consistency.
Mushrooms:
If mushrooms are not preferred, zucchini or eggplant slices can be used.

Pro Tips

1. Blanch Shock Method: After boiling the green beans, immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and help retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.