Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This Fresh Green Bean Casserole recipe elevates the classic side dish with crisp-tender fresh green beans combined with a savory mushroom cream sauce, topped with crunchy fried onions, and baked to perfection for a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal.
- Author: Natalie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Green Beans
- 1.5 lbs fresh green beans
- 1 tbsp salt (for blanching)
Mushroom Cream Sauce
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz mushrooms, diced into small pieces
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375℉ (190℃) so it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare green beans: Wash and trim the fresh green beans, removing the ends. Fill a medium pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a boil on the stovetop. Add the green beans and blanch them for 4-5 minutes (up to 6 minutes if you prefer softer beans). Drain promptly once done.
- Make mushroom cream sauce: In another medium pot, melt 1/4 cup salted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced mushrooms, sautéing until the mushrooms soften, about a few minutes. Stir in 1/3 cup all-purpose flour to form a roux.
- Cook sauce base: Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups half and half and 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with 1-2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then remove from heat.
- Assemble casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch rectangular casserole dish. Spread the blanched green beans evenly in the dish. Pour the mushroom cream sauce evenly over the green beans, then top with 6 oz fried onions evenly distributed across the surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and heated through with the topping crisped.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your fresh green bean casserole!
Notes
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour in the sauce.
- You can prepare the casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference and dietary needs.
- Make sure not to overcook the green beans during blanching to maintain a nice texture.
Keywords: green bean casserole, fresh green beans, mushroom cream sauce, holiday side dish, baked casserole, fried onions