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This classic green bean casserole is made with fresh green beans, a creamy mushrooms sauce and no canned soup. It has amazing flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
As a child, the only vegetable I would eat was green beans. They had to be the french cut green beans out of a can. Yes, that was it! Lucky for me, I grew up and so did my taste in vegetables. Green beans are still my favorite. But I much prefer them fresh rather than out of a can.
Fresh Green Beans. Green Bean Casserole is a classic recipe. It has been around forever and is required fare on most holiday tables. Instead of using canned green beans like my mother, I prefer fresh green beans. It gives the dish better taste and better texture.
No Canned Soup! Instead of using the canned cream of mushroom soup, I used fresh mushrooms and made an easy cream sauce from scratch. This no can version is delicious and comes together quickly and easily.
Great Taste. The addition of some fresh herbs and lemon juice gives it a great taste. And of course there is cheese too! All of the delicious flavor you expect from a green bean casserole, with fresher homemade ingredients.
It’s the perfect Thanksgiving side dish!
Ingredients
- Green Beens. Use fresh beans that have had the ends removed.
- Mushrooms. Sliced white mushrooms. Could also use a cremini mushroom.
- Milk. I usually have 2 percent on hand but use what you have.
- Sour Cream. Could also use plain Greek yogurt.
- Butter. I use salted butter
- Flour. I prefer unbleached all purpose flour
- Cheddar Cheese. Switch up your cheese if you like.
- Onion. Use a white or yellow onion, chopped
- Lemon Zest
- Garlic. Fresh, minced garlic.
- Salt and Pepper
- Granulated Sugar
- Parsley. I use fresh but use half the amount if using dried parsley.
- French Fried Onions. You can purchase these in a can at the grocery store. They are my favorite part of the green bean casserole. I love the crunch they add.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add green beans.
- Blanch for about 5-8 minutes or until they turn bright green and are tender. Drain.
- Melt butter in a frying pan and add onions and garlic.
- Sauté until onions are tender.
- Add in sliced mushrooms and cook for a few minutes until mushrooms have softened.
- Make a roux by adding in flour and stirring until it is combined.
- Add in lemon zest, salt, pepper and sugar.
- Stir in milk gradually, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add in sour cream and stir over medium heat until creamy mushroom sauce bubbles and thickens.
- Add in green beans and parsley and stir to coat.
- Stir in half of cheese and 1/2 cup french fried onions. Reserve remaining for the top.
- Pour green bean mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and top with remaining cheese and fried onions.
- Cook in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until heated through.
Make Ahead Tip
- You can make this green bean casserole the night before, cover and refrigerate. Make sure to add the crispy onions right before baking so they don’t get soggy sitting in the refrigerator over night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will leftover green bean casserole last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The crunchy fried onions will soften up after being refrigerated.
What can I use instead of the fried onions?
You can top the casserole with some Panko breadcrumbs mixed with some melted butter if you prefer. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top too!
Can I use frozen or canned green beans?
Canned greens can be used, just drain first. They will have a softer texture. Frozen green beans can be used without blanching them first. Thaw beans before using.
Check out more of my other green bean dishes:
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Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. green beans fresh
- 8 oz. mushrooms sliced
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup onion thinly sliced
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp parsley chopped
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese grated
- 1 2.8 oz. can French fried onions divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add green beans. Blanch for about 5-8 minutes or until they turn bright green and are tender. Drain.
- Melt butter in a frying pan and add onions and garlic. Saute until onions are tender and then add in mushrooms. Cook for a few more minutes to soften the mushrooms.
- Add in flour and stir to combine. Add in lemon zest, salt, pepper and sugar. Gradually add in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add in sour cream. Stir over medium heat until it bubbles and thickens. Add in green beans and parsley. Stir to coat.
- Toss in half of cheese and 1/2 cup french fried onions. Reserve remaining for the top.
- Place in a 11 x 13 dish and top with remaining cheese and fried onions
- Cook in oven for 15 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Facts:
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