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There’s something magical about a dish that feels like a warm hug—comforting, familiar, and utterly irresistible. That’s exactly what this Fresh Green Bean Casserole From Scratch delivers. Picture this: crisp-tender green beans swimming in a velvety homemade cream of mushroom sauce, topped with golden, crunchy fried onions that shatter with every bite. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight at holiday feasts but is simple enough for weeknight dinners.
Trust me, once you try making this from scratch, you’ll never go back to the canned version. The flavors are brighter, the textures more dynamic, and the satisfaction? Off the charts. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Fresh Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. Love garlic? Add a minced clove. Prefer a smoky twist? A dash of paprika works wonders.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients in Fresh Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
Here’s the magic of this casserole—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Fresh Green Beans: The star of the show. Their crisp texture and vibrant flavor elevate the dish beyond the mushy canned versions.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy, umami-rich base that ties everything together. Homemade adds depth, but store-bought works in a pinch.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Fresh Sage Leaves: A subtle earthy note that makes the dish sing. If you don’t have sage, thyme or rosemary are great substitutes.
Fried Onions: The crowning glory! Their crunch and savory sweetness are what make this casserole iconic.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Prep the Green Beans: Trim and cut the beans into bite-sized pieces. Blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then plunge into ice water to lock in that bright green color.
2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and minced sage. Fold in the blanched green beans until evenly coated.
3. Layer the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the fried onions generously over the top—don’t hold back!
4. Bake to Perfection: Pop it into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
5. Rest and Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and prevents molten-hot bites!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~220
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Fresh Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:
– Roasted Turkey or Ham: A classic holiday duo.
– Mashed Potatoes: For the ultimate comfort-food plate.
– Crusty Bread: To soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
– Simple Salad: A light, tangy greens to balance the richness.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Blanch the green beans and mix the soup base a day ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or garlic powder for extra warmth.
Dietary Tweaks: Use gluten-free fried onions or dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for dietary restrictions.
Storage: Leftovers keep for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to revive the crispiness.
Double Batch: This freezes well! Assemble (without baking), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture.
Q2: Can I make the cream of mushroom soup from scratch?
A2: Absolutely! Sauté mushrooms, whisk in flour and broth, then simmer with cream.
Q3: How do I prevent the fried onions from burning?
A3: Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to crisp.
Q4: Can I add cheese?
A4: Try sprinkling shredded cheddar or Parmesan over the top before baking.
Q5: Is there a low-carb version?
A5: Swap the soup for a creamy mushroom sauce made with heavy cream and xanthan gum.
Q6: Can I make this vegan?
A6: Use plant-based cream of mushroom soup and vegan fried onions.
Q7: How do I reheat leftovers without sogginess?
A7: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to restore crispness.
Q8: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh sage?
A8: Yes, but use 1/3 the amount (dried herbs are more concentrated).
Q9: What’s the best way to trim green beans quickly?
A9: Line them up and slice off the stems in one go with a knife.
Q10: Can I add other veggies?
A10: Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions for extra depth.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Fresh Green Bean Casserole From Scratch, a dish that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or cozying up with a weeknight meal, this recipe promises comfort, flavor, and a whole lot of love in every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent staple on your table. Now, go forth and bake your way to casserole glory!
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Fresh Green Bean Casserole From Scratch: 5 Best Homemade Tips
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Green Bean Casserole is the from-scratch version of the classic holiday favorite—no canned soup here! With tender-crisp green beans, creamy homemade mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, this vegetarian side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy dinner. It’s everything you love about comfort food, made even better.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half or thirds
- 4 cups homemade or store-bought cream of mushroom soup, warmed if chilled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3–4 fresh sage leaves, minced
- 12–14 oz French’s Fried Onions (or homemade crispy onions)
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Beans: Preheat oven to 400°F and set the rack in the middle. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Boil Beans: Once boiling, add green beans and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season Beans: Place the drained green beans in a casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced sage.
- Add Soup: Pour in the warmed mushroom soup and mix everything together until well coated.
- Add Onions: Stir in a handful of fried onions, or save them all for topping.
- Bake: Top with remaining onions (if not mixed in) and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Serve hot.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, use homemade cream of mushroom soup.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth.
- Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg