Green Bean Casserole: from Scratch & Spectacular

Recipe Introduction

Ever feel like your green bean casserole is missing something ? maybe that "something" is flavor ? honestly, i used to dread it, another beige dish.

Then, i had a revelation: green bean casserole from scratch is where it’s at! trust me, this recipe will convert you.

Level Up Your Side Dish Game

This isn't your average thanksgiving casserole . we're talking vibrant, fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce that actually tastes of mushrooms, and crispy fried onions that are genuinely addictive.

It's a total reinvention of a classic thanksgiving casserole recipes !

Casserole Deconstructed and Rebuilt

This traditional green bean casserole has humble origins, likely born from a desire to use pantry staples. it's now a thanksgiving dinner recipes staple! our version is a labour of love, medium difficulty, taking around 1 hour 55 minutes total.

It yields 6-8 generous servings.

More Than Just a Comfort Dish

This homemade green bean casserole is more than just comfort food; it packs a nutritional punch thanks to the fresh green beans and mushrooms.

It’s the perfect holiday side dish recipes for a festive gathering or a cozy sunday dinner. what makes this recipe special? it's the real ingredients.

A creamy mushroom sauce casserole made from scratch instead of a can.

Ingredients: The Magic Starts Here

To truly make the best easy green bean casserole from scratch , you'll need fresh ingredients. these ingredients are what sets it apart from store-bought alternatives.

No need to settle for pre-made! let's dive into the essentials and make some thanksgiving casserole history.

Right then, let's dive into what you need to whip up this incredible green bean casserole from scratch. it's easier than you think, honestly.

And so, so much better than the tinned soup version. trust me on this.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty

First things first, you need the right kit. A good chef knows, you can't bake gold without the right tools and materials.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

Here’s what you'll need, broken down for max clarity. Remember, quality matters!

For the Crispy Fried Onion Topping:

• 2 large yellow onions , thinly sliced (about 4 cups , US: 1 lb, Metric: 450g ). Make sure they're firm, not soft or sprouting. Nobody likes a sad onion.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (US: 10 ounces, Metric: 280g ).
• 1 teaspoon salt (US: 1 tsp, Metric: 6g ).
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (US: 1/2 tsp, Metric: 3g ).
• 1 quart vegetable oil, for frying (US: 4 cups, Metric: 950ml ). Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.

For the Green Bean Casserole:

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (US: 2 lbs, Metric: 900g ). Look for vibrant green beans that are firm and snap easily. No floppy beans allowed!
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (US: 1/2 stick, Metric: 56g ).
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced (US: 1 lb, Metric: 450g ). Cremini mushrooms have a deeper flavor than white button mushrooms. Go for it!
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (US: 1/2 cup, Metric: 113g ).
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (US: 2 cloves, Metric: 6g ).
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (US: 1.25 ounces, Metric: 35g ).
• 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium) (US: 3 cups, Metric: 710ml ).
• 1 cup heavy cream (US: 1 cup, Metric: 240ml ).
• 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional) (US: 1/4 cup, Metric: 60ml ). Adds a lovely depth of flavour. Don't skip it if you have some!
• 1 teaspoon salt (US: 1 tsp, Metric: 6g ).
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (US: 1/2 tsp, Metric: 3g ).
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg (US: 1/4 tsp, Metric: 1g ).

Seasoning Notes: Spicing it Up

Let's talk about getting that Thanksgiving Casserole flavour just right. The magic is in the details!

The classic combo of salt, pepper, and nutmeg is essential for that cozy, Traditional Green Bean Casserole vibe.

Sherry, if you're using it, adds a subtle richness. think of it as the secret handshake for your casserole. a greenbean casserole recipe such as this can really shine with the right flavoring.

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Want to kick things up a notch? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the creamy mushroom sauce won't go amiss.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this Homemade Green Bean Casserole, thankfully! Just the basics:

• A large pot for blanching the beans.
• A deep fry thermometer (optional but useful) for the onions. This makes sure you don't burn them!
• A large skillet for the Creamy Mushroom Sauce Casserole.
• A 9x13 inch baking dish. This is your stage for the final masterpiece.

Got all that? good! next up, we're diving into the actual cooking. it really is an easy green bean casserole from scratch, you'll see.

Get ready to impress everyone at your next thanksgiving dinner recipes spread. this holiday side dish recipe is a real winner!

Okay, let's get real about making this green bean casserole from scratch . forget that canned soup nonsense. we're going full-on fancy pants thanksgiving casserole recipes style.

Trust me, this is worth the extra effort. my gran used to make a pretty sad version, but this... this is next level.

Prep Like a Pro, Not a Punnet

Essential Mise en Place

Right, first things first, get organized. chop those 2 large yellow onions (about 4 cups ) for frying. slice 1 pound of cremini mushrooms .

Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion for the sauce. mince 2 cloves of garlic . trim and halve 2 pounds of fresh green beans .

It sounds like a lot, i know. but i promise, it's worth it! having everything ready before you start makes a world of difference.

It's like, zen, innit?

Time Saving Onion Shenanigans

Here's a chef's trick: Soak those sliced onions for 30 minutes in cold water. It'll take away the "sting" and helps them get extra crispy when you fry them.

Safety First, Butter Later

Hot oil is no joke. always use a deep fry thermometer if you have one to monitor the oil's temperature. be careful when adding the onions to the hot oil, and never leave it unattended.

Also, remember to pat the green beans completely dry before adding them to the hot pan, you don't want any accidents in the kitchen!

Cooking the Casserole Like a Champ

step-by-step to a Stunning Side

1. Dredge the Onions: Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper . Dredge the soaked and dried onion slices in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. This ensures a proper Crispy Fried Onion Topping .
2. Fry 'Em Up: Heat 1 quart of vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Fry the onions in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels.
3. Green Bean Blitz: Blanch 2 pounds of green beans in boiling, salted water for 3- 4 minutes . Then, shock them in ice water. This keeps 'em bright green and snappy!
4. Sauce Boss Time: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add the mushrooms and garlic. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and lovely.
5. Creamy Magic: Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1 minute , stirring. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of chicken broth until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5- 7 minutes . Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream , 1/4 cup of dry sherry (if using, it adds a Traditional Green Bean Casserole flavour), 1 teaspoon of salt , 1/2 teaspoon of pepper , and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg . You can now taste this Creamy Mushroom Sauce Casserole and see if it's to your liking!
6. Mix and Match: Add the blanched green beans to the mushroom sauce. Stir to combine.
7. Bake It Baby: Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish . Top with those glorious fried onions. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly and golden.
8. Rest: Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes Glory

• Crispy Onion Secret: Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the onions. Fry them in batches. This will help to achieve that proper crispy texture.
• Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Make sure those green beans are bone dry before adding them to the sauce. Watery beans are sad beans.
• make-ahead Option: You can prepare the casserole (without the fried onions) a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add the fried onions right before baking. This is a great way to get a head start on your Holiday Side Dish Recipes .

Honestly, this easy green bean casserole from scratch will blow your mind. it’s a real thanksgiving casserole showstopper. it's not just food; it's a hug in a dish.

The fresh green beans, the homemade green bean casserole sauce, the crispy onions... it's just perfect. so ditch the canned stuff and give this a go.

You won't regret it.

Alright, here's that article section for you about recipe notes! I tried to channel my inner chatty food blogger. Let me know what you think!

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

So, you're about to embark on this culinary adventure. making a green bean casserole from scratch isn't hard, but a little insider info never hurts, right? consider these your cheat codes for a truly spectacular green bean casserole .

You know? like, beyond anything your aunt mildred brings to thanksgiving dinner recipes .

Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, even for a humble thanksgiving casserole . i like to serve mine straight from the baking dish. a rustic touch, right? sprinkle some extra crispy fried onion topping on top right before serving.

It gives it that extra "oomph". garnish with some fresh parsley for a pop of colour. it’s so easy!

Or, if you are feeling fancy, portion it out into individual ramekins. this makes it look all cheffy, like you really know what you're doing.

This dish will steal the show at your thanksgiving casserole recipes .

Saving the Goodness: Storage Tips

Leftovers? if there are any, which is unlikely because this homemade green bean casserole is that good. pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3 days. honestly, reheating it is almost better. the flavours meld together even more.

Freezing isn't ideal for this one. The creamy mushroom sauce casserole can get a bit weird after thawing. The green beans can get mushy. Nobody wants mushy green beans, you know?

When reheating, try 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15 minutes. Or, use a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Keep a close eye on it, though.

Remixing the Classics: Variations

Want to switch things up? For a vegan version , use vegetable broth and a plant based cream. It works a charm! Substitute the butter with olive oil.

Trying to watch the carbs? Use almond flour instead of all-purpose when dredging the onions. It will add a nutty dimension.

And listen, who doesn't love a bit of spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the creamy mushroom sauce adds a gentle heat. It elevates this traditional green bean casserole .

Nutrition Nuggets: A Quick Look

Okay, let's be real: it's a casserole. but it's got green beans! one serving clocks in around 350-400 calories. you get a bit of protein (8g), and a healthy dose of fibre (5g) from those beans.

Of course, that crispy fried onion topping adds some extra fat (25g). but hey, it's worth it, right?

I've seen this recipe referred to as a holiday side dish recipe , and it is truly one of the best Thanksgiving dinner recipes .

Go Forth and Casserole!

Making a green bean casserole from scratch might seem a bit daunting at first. but trust me, it's totally doable.

With these tips, you'll be serving up a showstopper in no time! so grab your apron, crank up some tunes, and get ready to make some culinary magic.

This easy green bean casserole from scratch will be a hit!