Introduction
Green bean casserole is one of those timeless side dishes that brings comfort to the table. Whether it is served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner, this dish has a special way of making people smile. The creamy texture, the tender green beans, and the crispy topping make it a favorite across generations.
What makes this version even better is that it uses fresh green beans. Unlike canned beans, fresh green beans offer a crisp texture and vibrant flavor that completely transforms the dish. This recipe skips the processed ingredients and instead uses real, wholesome foods that taste better and feel healthier. You still get that creamy goodness and crispy onion topping, but with fresher, brighter flavors.
Making green bean casserole from scratch might sound complicated, but this recipe is designed to be simple and approachable. With easy-to-follow steps, basic ingredients, and a delicious result, you will see just how effortless it can be. Whether you are cooking for a big holiday feast or just need a hearty side for dinner, this fresh green bean casserole is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
In this article, you will find everything you need to create the perfect green bean casserole. From the ingredients list with calorie counts to detailed cooking instructions, nutrition facts, serving suggestions, and tips for customizing the recipe to suit your preferences, this guide has you covered. By the end, you will have a recipe that you can keep coming back to all year long.
Ingredients Needed
Before you begin cooking, it is helpful to gather all the ingredients in one place. This ensures that everything is prepped and ready when it is time to cook. Using fresh and high-quality ingredients will give you the best flavor and texture.
Here is a complete list of what you will need for this easy green bean casserole recipe. Alongside each ingredient, you will also find an approximate calorie count to help you understand the nutritional value of the dish.
Ingredients Table with Calorie Count
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh green beans (trimmed) | 1 pound | 140 |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons | 200 |
| Fresh mushrooms (sliced) | 8 ounces | 45 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 8 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons | 60 |
| Whole milk | 1 cup | 150 |
| Low-sodium broth | 1/2 cup | 7 |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | 0 |
| Ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | 1 |
| Fried onions | 1 1/2 cups | 210 |
This recipe yields about 6 servings. The total calories for the entire dish come to around 821, making each serving approximately 137 calories. This can vary slightly depending on brands and exact measurements used.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple instructions to create a delicious and creamy green bean casserole with a crispy onion topping. These steps are easy enough for beginners and will guide you through the entire cooking process.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, begin prepping your ingredients.
Blanch the green beans by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they are just tender but still have a little crunch. Drain them immediately and place them in a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and help maintain their vibrant green color. After a minute or two, drain and set aside.
Prepare the mushroom sauce by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they become golden brown and soft. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine. This will help thicken the sauce.
Slowly pour in the milk and broth while whisking continuously. This step ensures that there are no lumps in the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Mix the green beans into the creamy mushroom sauce until everything is well coated. Make sure the beans are evenly distributed and covered in sauce.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula or spoon.
Top with half of the fried onions and bake the casserole uncovered in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
Add the remaining fried onions on top and return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes. This gives the topping a golden, crispy finish.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This recipe is delicious as it is, but it is also easy to customize depending on your taste or dietary needs.
If you want a cheesier flavor, add half a cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the mushroom sauce before mixing it with the green beans. This adds richness and depth.
To make the recipe vegan, use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk such as almond or oat, and vegetable broth. There are also vegan-friendly fried onions available in most stores.
For a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mushroom sauce. This adds a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
If you prefer a crunchier topping, bake your own crispy onions using thinly sliced fresh onions coated in a little flour and olive oil. Bake them until golden and crisp.
You can also add cooked bacon bits, sautéed shallots, or even roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this fresh green bean casserole contains approximately:
Calories: 137
Protein: 4 grams
Total fat: 8 grams
Saturated fat: 4.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 14 grams
Dietary fiber: 3 grams
Sugars: 5 grams
Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
Sodium: 310 milligrams
This dish is relatively low in calories and offers a good amount of fiber thanks to the green beans and mushrooms. It provides a hearty side that balances flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with many main dishes. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, grilled chicken, baked fish, or a vegetarian roast. It also complements mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce during holiday meals.
For a lighter dinner, you can enjoy it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It also makes a great potluck or picnic dish because it holds up well after baking and reheating.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crispy or microwave individual portions for quick meals.
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Conclusion
Making a fresh green bean casserole from scratch is easier than you might think. By using fresh vegetables and simple ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes better and feels more wholesome than the traditional canned version. The creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping come together in a comforting, flavorful dish that your family and guests will love.
Whether you are preparing it for a holiday celebration or just a regular weeknight dinner, this recipe is flexible, delicious, and easy to customize. With its beautiful presentation and satisfying taste, it is sure to become a staple in your home.