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Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans - recipe card

This from-scratch green bean casserole features tender fresh green beans and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. It’s a comforting, classic side dish without any bacon or pork, perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
  5. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.
  6. Spread the green bean mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with crispy fried onions. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes serving easier.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble without the onions, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5 minutes to the bake time.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the green beans and sauce may become mushy. Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If the onions become soggy, you can add more crispy onions on top before reheating. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, though the onions will not be crispy.

Nutrition

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