Green Bean Casserole from Scratch Deliciousness
Recipe Introduction: Green Bean Casserole Reimagined
Ever had a craving for something truly comforting? Fancy a classic casserole recipe from scratch ? Oh my gosh, then you’re in for a treat! Let's ditch the blah and whip up a green bean casserole from scratch that'll knock your socks off.
Green Bean Casserole: A Classic, Elevated
This isn't your grandma's casserole. Okay, maybe it is , but with a posh upgrade! This homemade green bean casserole recipe embraces freshness and real flavor.
Think crispy, tender green beans, a luscious mushroom sauce, and a topping that's pure crunchy bliss.
The green bean casserole has been a staple on American holiday tables for decades. This one elevates it! It's a medium difficulty recipe, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes from start to finish.
It happily feeds 6-8 people.
Why This Recipe Rocks
One of the best things? This recipe is packed with nutrients from those lovely fresh green beans. It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Honestly, you can serve it with a Sunday roast as well! What makes this fresh green bean casserole recipe truly special is the homemade mushroom sauce.
Say goodbye to the canned stuff!
Now, let's gather our bits and bobs for this Green Bean Casserole without Canned Soup and get started!
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need for this showstopper green bean casserole from scratch . Ditching the canned soup is a game changer, trust me! It’s all about fresh ingredients, proper flavour, and a little bit of love.
Here's the lowdown, easy peasy.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
We are making Homemade green bean casserole , forget the old ways!
- Fresh Green Beans: 2 pounds (900g). Look for firm, bright green beans. Avoid any that are limp or have brown spots. Quality is key here, mate!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
- Cremini Mushrooms: 8 ounces , sliced (225g). Cremini adds a lovely earthy note! If you have them, use chestnut mushrooms for extra flavour .
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g)
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups (700ml). Alton Brown green bean casserole alternative . Make sure it’s good quality, like you know the proper stuff!
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Dry Sherry: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Green bean casserole with sherry is next level. This is optional, but honestly , it adds a touch of sophistication.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
- Yellow Onion (for crispy onions): 1 large , thinly sliced (approx. 2 cups / 300g)
- All-purpose Flour (for crispy onions): 1 cup (120g)
- Salt (for crispy onions): 1 teaspoon
- Paprika (for crispy onions): 1/2 teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): About 3-4 cups (700-950ml)
Seasoning Notes: Give it a Kick
Want a great Fresh green bean casserole recipe ? Salt and pepper are a must, obviously. Nutmeg in the sauce adds warmth, almost like a hug in a casserole! The sherry brings depth - if you skip it, a splash of lemon juice works too.
You can improve your Classic casserole recipes from scratch with these seasoning notes!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
We don't need to be fancy. Here’s the bare minimum for your Thanksgiving side dish recipe , but can use at any celebration:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Baking dish ( 9x13 inch or similar)
- Slotted spoon
Right, that's the gear sorted! Next up, we get our hands dirty.
Green Bean Casserole: From Scratch Deliciousness
Alright, let's chat about the green bean casserole from scratch . Forget that gloopy, tinned soup version, yeah? We're doing a proper, Homemade green bean casserole that'll knock your socks off.
Honestly, my Nan was skeptical but she had to admit, this recipe is a winner. This recipe is a classic and is a perfect Thanksgiving side dish recipe .
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized
Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our mise en place sorted. This is key, trust me.
Chop your veggies first! The onion and mushrooms need to be ready for their big moment. I usually slice the onions first.
Remember safety! Keep a plaster handy, just in case.
step-by-step: From Humble Bean to Casserole Supreme
- Blanch the green beans in boiling, salted water for 3 minutes .
- Plunge them straight into ice water. This stops the cooking.
- Fry the sliced onions until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Melt butter, saute chopped onion, add mushrooms and garlic and cook for 10 minutes .
- Stir in flour for 1 minute and then gradually whisk in chicken broth.
- Simmer until thick. About 5 minutes .
- Stir in cream, sherry, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Toss beans in sauce, top with fried onions, and bake at 350F (175C) until bubbly.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Casserole
- Don't overcook the beans! . A little bite is what we're after.
- For extra crispy onions, fry in small batches. This makes them even better than shop bought.
- Mushroom sauce can be made a day ahead. Stash it in the fridge! This also makes it the perfect Christmas casserole recipe .
So there you have it! A Fresh green bean casserole recipe that tastes fantastic. This recipe does not use canned soup.
Forget boring and bland we're talking proper flavor, inspired by the Alton Brown green bean casserole alternative . Maybe next time I’ll even try it with a bit of Sherry.
Now go get your bake on!
Recipe Notes for Your Stellar Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
Right then, let's dive into the nitty gritty! You've decided to ditch the canned soup and make a proper green bean casserole from scratch .
Good on you! I reckon you will have the best homemade green bean casserole in the whole street. Here are some extra bits and bobs to make sure it's a total triumph.
This classic casserole recipes from scratch is one that you will keep coming back to, I promise you!.
Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!
Forget just slopping it on a plate! A little bit of effort goes a long way. Spoon your green bean casserole into a nice dish and top it with the crispiest fried onions, maybe add a sprig of parsley for colour.
It is important to consider it a lovely Thanksgiving side dish recipe . Think about what goes well with it. I'm a big fan of serving it alongside roast chicken and some fluffy mashed potatoes, or maybe even with a slice of gammon.
A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling elderflower cordial would also be a treat.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh
Honestly, this fresh green bean casserole recipe is best eaten fresh, but life happens, right? If you have leftovers, whack them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They'll be good for about 3 days. Reheat it in the oven ( 350 degrees ) for about 15- 20 minutes, or until heated through.
It can be reheated in the microwave, but it might lose some crispness. Freezing? Not really recommended, to be honest.
The texture can get a bit wonky. But, if you absolutely must, freeze it in a freezer safe container. It may taste a little different, but who cares?.
Variations: Make It Your Own
Want to shake things up a bit? Absolutely! This Christmas casserole recipe is yours to play with. For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
You could also add some chopped walnuts for extra crunch. Got allergies? To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour for the mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions.
It is time to leave green bean casserole without canned soup behind!.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. This green bean casserole has fibre from the beans, and some vitamins too.
Just remember it's also got butter, flour, and cream, so it's not exactly a health food.
This recipe is a twist of the traditional Alton Brown green bean casserole alternative and it is meant to be delicious, so indulge a little!
So there you have it! A few extra tips to make your green bean casserole from scratch amazing. Now go on, get in the kitchen and give it a go! I know you'll smash it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is making green bean casserole from scratch really worth the effort?
Absolutely! While it takes a bit more time than the shortcut version, the flavour is leagues beyond. Imagine trading in the canned soup taste for a rich, homemade mushroom sauce and freshly fried onions like swapping a soggy biscuit for a proper scone with clotted cream and jam.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Can I make parts of this green bean casserole from scratch recipe ahead of time?
You bet! To save time on the big day (or any day, really), prepare the mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions a day or two in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Then, simply assemble and bake when you're ready to serve, just like a pro chef!
How do I store leftover green bean casserole from scratch?
Leftover green bean casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 3-4 days. While reheating in the oven will help retain some crispiness, microwaving is faster just be prepared for the onions to soften a bit, similar to reheated chips from the chippy.
My crispy fried onions always end up soggy. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded soggy onions! This is a common issue. First, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the onions; a lower temperature will steam them. Second, avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature.
Finally, make sure to drain the fried onions thoroughly on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil, like blotting away the evidence of a guilty pleasure.
Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version of this green bean casserole from scratch?
Definitely! It's a simple swap. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the heavy cream with a plant based alternative like cashew cream or full fat coconut milk. To make it fully vegan, ensure your butter is plant based as well.
You could also use panko bread crumbs, coated in vegan butter and seasonings, to top the casserole for a bit of golden crunch!
Is green bean casserole from scratch healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
While delicious, green bean casserole is traditionally rich due to the cream sauce and fried onions. To make it healthier, consider using less butter and cream, or opting for lighter alternatives. Baking the onions in the oven or air frying them drastically reduces the fat content.
Don't forget that green beans themselves are a nutritious vegetable, so it's all about balance a bit like enjoying a cheeky dessert after a healthy meal!
Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Deliciousness
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
