Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Remember those holiday dinners? Were you ever excited for the green bean casserole ? Honestly, me neither! This green bean casserole without cream will change your mind.

It's got an amazing mushroom flavor.

Brief Overview

This dish is an American classic, born from pantry staples. We're skipping the shortcuts and making a homemade green bean casserole to remember.

It's a medium difficulty recipe. Prep takes about 30 minutes, and it cooks for 45. This recipe serves 6-8.

Main Benefits

This easy green bean casserole without cream avoids all the processed ingredients. Using a mushroom béchamel sauce adds so much flavor. Serve it at Thanksgiving. It's a notable thanksgiving side dish .

Green Bean Casserole From Scratch Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
• 8 oz (227g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (710 ml) whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry sherry (optional)
• 1/4 cup (28g) grated parmesan cheese
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups / 710 ml)

Instructions:

• Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water until bright green and crisp-tender. Shock in ice water to stop cooking. Drain well and set aside.
• Toss onion slices with flour, salt, and pepper. Fry in hot oil (around 350°F/175°C) until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
• Melt butter in a large skillet. Add sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Sauté until mushrooms are tender and browned.
• Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mushrooms and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warmed milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Bring the béchamel to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in nutmeg, sherry (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Toss the blanched green beans with the mushroom béchamel. Spread into a greased baking dish.
• Bake in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for 20 minutes, or until bubbly.
• Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the casserole. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350-450

Fat:25-35g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

So, like many people, I grew up with that kinda sad green bean casserole no cream of mushroom soup using canned soup.

You know, the one that tasted mostly of tin? I wanted a green bean casserole from scratch that actually tasted fresh and delicious.

The Creamy Secret (Without the Cream)

This creamy green bean casserole (cream-free) relies on a rich mushroom béchamel sauce instead. Honestly, it elevates the whole thing. Forget that gloopy canned soup!

More Than Just a Side Dish

This isn't just a recipe; it's a healthy green bean casserole alternative . And guess what? You can even make a delicious vegan green bean casserole option with a few simple swaps.

Try using vegan butter and unsweetened almond milk for the béchamel. This might just be the best green bean casserole recipe you ever make! Time to gather your ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real

Okay, friends, let's get down to brass tacks. We're making a green bean casserole from scratch , so forget opening cans! This is gonna be way better.

This homemade green bean casserole version will knock your socks off. Seriously, ditch that green bean casserole no cream of mushroom soup and let's make this epic thanksgiving side dish .

I’ve made this so many times, it’s practically second nature to me now.

Main Ingredients: The Green Bean Dream

• Fresh green beans: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Look for firm, bright green beans. Avoid any that are wilted or have brown spots. If you can get haricots verts , even better.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Extra virgin is my go-to, always.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) .

For the mushroom béchamel sauce , which is the star of our creamy green bean casserole (cream-free) creation:

• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) . Unsalted lets you control the salt level.
• Cremini mushrooms: 8 oz (227g) , sliced. Look for firm, dry mushrooms.
• Salt & Pepper: Same as above! 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) pepper.
• All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) .
• Whole milk: 3 cups (710 ml) , warmed. Warming is key to avoid lumps.
• Freshly grated nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) . Oh my gosh, don't skip this!
• Dry sherry: 1/4 cup (60 ml) (optional, but do it!). Trust me. If you don't have sherry on hand, you can use the apple cider vinegar.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (28g) .

For the irresistible fried onion topping:

• Yellow onions: 2 large , thinly sliced.
• All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g) .
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
• Vegetable oil: About 3 cups (710 ml) for frying.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

The key to a killer béchamel is nutmeg, it really amplifies the earthiness of the mushrooms. Salt and pepper are your friends.

Don't be shy. For a healthy green bean casserole alternative , use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.

Garlic powder can add an umami flavor. This will definitely make your casserole a best green bean casserole recipe .

If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large pot or Dutch oven: For blanching the green beans.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: For the mushroom béchamel.
• Deep-fry thermometer (optional): Helps to keep consistent temperature.
• Baking dish (9x13 inch or similar): A classic choice.
• Slotted spoon: For fishing out those golden onions.
• Whisk: Essential for a smooth béchamel.

Don't sweat it if you don't have everything. You can use a regular pot for the blanching and a large frying pan instead of a skillet.

Making an easy green bean casserole without cream is achievable.

Green Bean Casserole, From Scratch (No Cream Soup!)

Honestly, who actually enjoys that canned cream of mushroom soup in green bean casserole? It's a Thanksgiving tradition, sure, but let’s make a homemade green bean casserole that will knock everyone's socks off! We are talking about a green bean casserole without cream , from scratch that tastes incredible.

This recipe transforms this classic dish into something truly special. Let's dive in!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Matters

First, get everything ready. Trim 1.5 lbs (680g) of fresh green beans . Slice 8 oz (227g) of cremini mushrooms .

Thinly slice 2 large yellow onions . Measure out all your spices and flours. Having your ingredients prepped and ready to go makes cooking so much easier, trust me!

Time-Saving Tip: Do the onion slicing ahead of time to cut down on tears.

Step-by-Step: From Ordinary to Extraordinary

This isn't your average easy green bean casserole without cream . We're making this a creamy green bean casserole (cream-free) !

1. Blanch the beans: Boil the green beans for 3 minutes , then shock them in ice water.
2. Fry those onions! Coat sliced onions in flour, salt, and pepper. Fry in 3 cups (710 ml) of vegetable oil at 350° F ( 175° C) until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
3. Sauté mushrooms: Melt 4 tablespoons (57g) of butter in a pan. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
4. Make the mushroom béchamel sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup (30g) of flour to the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute . Slowly whisk in 3 cups (710 ml) of warmed milk .
5. Simmer: Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 5 minutes until thickened. Add nutmeg, sherry (optional), and Parmesan cheese.
6. Assemble: Combine beans and mushroom sauce in a baking dish.
7. Bake: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20 minutes .
8. Top & Bake Again: Top with fried onions and bake for 10-15 more minutes until golden.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Casserole, no cream!

Honestly? The secret is in the béchamel. Freshly grated nutmeg is a game changer . Also, don't overcook the green beans.

They should still have a bit of a snap. Another good one: The best green bean casserole recipe topping? Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the onions.

Fry them in batches for maximum crispiness.

Vegan green bean casserole option: You can easily make this a healthy green bean casserole alternative by swapping butter for olive oil, using almond milk in the béchamel, and finding vegan parmesan and sherry or simply leaving those out altogether.

This thanksgiving side dish will be a showstopper! This recipe guarantees a delicious green bean casserole no cream of mushroom soup !

Recipe Notes That'll Make You a Green Bean Casserole Rockstar

Alright, so you're ready to ditch that canned soup and make the best green bean casserole recipe , ever? Honestly, even though this green bean casserole from scratch takes a little more effort, trust me, it's so worth it.

Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to help you nail it.

Plating Like a Pro, Even If You're Not

Okay, so you've got this amazing homemade green bean casserole . Now what? Presentation matters! I like to scoop a generous portion onto a plate, then maybe sprinkle a few extra fried onions on top.

A sprig of fresh thyme is lovely too. For sides, this is a thanksgiving side dish dream team with roasted turkey and cranberry sauce, you know? It's all about that cozy, autumnal vibe.

Storing Like a Boss

So, you somehow have leftovers of this delicious creamy green bean casserole (cream-free) ? Lucky you! Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing isn't really recommended, as the texture of the green beans can get a bit wonky. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Microwave works too, but the onions might lose their crisp.

Remixing the Classics: Variations You'll Love

Want to spice things up? For a vegan green bean casserole option , swap the butter for olive oil and use a plant-based milk (like almond or soy) for the mushroom béchamel sauce .

Also, make sure your Parmesan cheese substitute is vegan!

For a healthy green bean casserole alternative , try adding some chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrients.

This easy green bean casserole without cream is already pretty great as it is.

Green Bean Casserole Nutrition: The Down Low

I am not a nutritionist, okay? But this green bean casserole without cream is definitely a lighter option than the traditional version. You are cutting out the processed ingredients and high sodium.

Each serving has roughly around 350-450 calories, with a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It's also packed with fiber thanks to the green beans and mushrooms.

So, there you have it! Now you are set to make this Green Bean Casserole magic. Don't be scared to experiment and have fun with it. You got this!