Green Bean Casserole Reimagined No Cream Soup Required

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get tired of the same old casserole? I know I did! This green bean casserole without cream is a game changer.

It's packed with fresh flavors. Honestly, you'll never go back to the canned stuff.

Brief Overview

This homemade green bean casserole steps away from tradition. Instead of the canned soup, we are making everything from scratch.

It's got that lovely gourmet feel, but it is still easy enough for a weeknight. It serves 6-8 people. So it’s perfect for a small gathering or family dinner!

Main Benefits

This recipe brings a dose of goodness to your plate, plus it's an elevated green bean casserole recipe . Ditching the processed ingredients makes it a healthy green bean casserole recipe too! Serve it up for Thanksgiving.

The Magic of From Scratch Flavour

Let's be real. A good fresh green bean casserole recipe needs fresh ingredients! Forget that gloopy cream-of-mushroom soup. We are building flavour from the ground up.

Seriously! This is going to transform your understanding of this dish.

Crispy Fried Shallots Recipe: The Secret Weapon

Okay, so the crispy onions are iconic. But have you tried crispy fried shallots? Oh my gosh! They add a touch of sweetness and a sophisticated edge.

These are going to change your casserole game forever.

Bye-Bye Canned Soup: Hello Mushroom Sauce!

That's right, we're making a mushroom sauce for green bean casserole ! Think rich, earthy, and oh-so-creamy. The secret is sautéing those shrooms. You know, until they are golden brown and fragrant.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes Without Canned Soup? YES!

I always felt that canned soups where an uninspired ingredient! Here's a showstopper! This green bean casserole without cream of mushroom soup will blow everyone away.

Trust me. It's the perfect way to impress your guests while keeping things fresh and exciting.

You know, I remember the first time I tried making this recipe. It was a disaster! I burnt the onions to a crisp.

But, hey, we learn from our mistakes, right? Now I'm a pro, and you will be too!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

So, you're ready to ditch the canned stuff and make a proper homemade green bean casserole ? Awesome! Trust me, once you taste this elevated green bean casserole recipe , you won't go back.

Here’s everything you’ll need. We’re making green bean casserole without cream of mushroom soup , remember!

Main Ingredients: The A-Team

Here’s what you’ll need. I've included both US and metric measurements, because I'm nice like that.

• Crispy Onions:

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (US: about 1 pound , Metric: about 450g )
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (US: 60g , Metric: 60g )
  • 1 teaspoon salt (US: 5g , Metric: 5g )
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (US: 2.5g , Metric: 2.5g )
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups/1 litre )

  Quality Indicator: For the onions, choose firm, heavy onions with dry skins. They should smell fresh.

• Green Bean Casserole:

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed (US: about 900g , Metric: 900g )
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (US: 30ml , Metric: 30ml )
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (US: about 225g , Metric: 225g )
  • 1 large shallot, finely chopped (US: about 50g , Metric: 50g )
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (US: about 6g , Metric: 6g )
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (US: 30g , Metric: 30g )
  • 3 cups chicken broth (US: 710ml , Metric: 710ml )
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (US: 120ml , Metric: 120ml )
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (US: 30ml , Metric: 30ml )
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (US: 1g , Metric: 1g )
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  Quality Indicator: Fresh green beans should be bright green. They should snap easily when bent. Pass if they're wilted or discolored.

• Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped

Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Flavor

Honestly, the seasoning is where the magic happens. Here's my take:

Nutmeg might seem unusual, but trust me, it adds a lovely warmth. Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami. It elevates everything.

You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. For a more intense mushroom taste, try adding a dash of mushroom powder.

If you don't have Worcestershire, soy sauce will work in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this recipe. I like keeping things simple.

• Large pot for blanching the green beans.
• Large skillet or Dutch oven for the mushroom sauce.
• Deep fryer or large pot for frying the onions.
• Slotted spoon for fishing out those crispy onions.
• 9x13 inch baking dish.

Don't have a deep fryer? A large, heavy bottomed pot works just fine. A wire rack set over a baking sheet can substitute for paper towels.

Alright, let's get cooking. Get ready for a fresh green bean casserole recipe that’ll blow your mind! Think gourmet green bean casserole without the fuss.

Cooking Method: Bakes it Till You Make It

Okay, mates, let's talk bake particularly, baking a green bean casserole without cream . Honestly? This isn't just any bake.

It's about saying "cheerio" to the canned stuff. This is how to create the best green bean casserole from scratch.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential Mise en Place: First things first, get everything prepped. Chop those onions, trim the beans, slice those shrooms. Like, seriously, do it before you start anything. You'll thank me later.
• Time Saving Organization Tips: I like to measure out my spices into a little bowl ahead of time. Boom! Instant flavor bomb ready to go. It's one of my time saving organization tips.
• Safety Reminders: Hot oil is, well, hot. Be careful when frying those onions. And always use oven mitts, because no one wants burnt fingers.

step-by-step Process: From Scratch to Scrumptious

1. Fry the Onions: Toss those thinly sliced onions in flour, salt, and pepper. Fry them in vegetable oil at 350° F ( 175° C) until golden brown and crispy. Drain them well no one likes soggy bottoms here.
2. Blanch the Beans: Dunk the green beans in boiling salted water for 3- 4 minutes . Then, shock them in ice water. This keeps them a lovely, vibrant green, and slightly tender.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the sliced mushrooms and chopped shallot until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Make the Mushroom Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute . Gradually whisk in chicken broth until thickened. Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. This easy mushroom sauce for green bean casserole is what's gonna bring it all together!.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Add the blanched green beans to the mushroom sauce and toss. Pour into a baking dish. I was always concerned about how to cook it, the secret is covering the Green Beans with Mushroom Sauce.
6. Bake It: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20 minutes . Then, top with crispy onions. Bake for another 5- 10 minutes , or until golden brown.
7. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: The Secret's in the Sauce

• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: For truly crispy onions, fry them in batches. Trust me on this one.
• Shockingly Good Green Beans: Shocking the green beans in ice water stops the cooking process and helps them retain their vibrant green colour and crisp tender texture.
• make-ahead: The mushroom sauce can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before assembling. It's good to have in case of emergencies or any kind of elevated green bean casserole recipe.

So there you have it! A homemade green bean casserole that's actually good . Ditch the can and get baking. You won't regret it.

You can make your next Thanksgiving side dishes without canned soup and your friends will be amazed!

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Green Bean Casserole

Okay, so you're about to make a green bean casserole without cream , and I'm genuinely excited for you! It's way easier than you think to skip the canned soup and still get that comforting classic flavour.

Think of these notes as your culinary cheat sheet, full of tips and tricks I've picked up over the years.

Honestly, these little details can make or break a dish. I've been there, done that, and learned from my mistakes so you don't have to.

Plating Like a Pro and Perfect Pairings

Let's talk presentation, babes. Forget just slopping it onto a plate! Think about layering the casserole, adding a sprig of fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fancy touch.

Seriously, presentation matters! For sides, think classic Thanksgiving vibes like roast chicken or turkey. Mashed sweet potatoes are dreamy with this, and cranberry sauce is a must! As for drinks? Something sparkling always feels festive to me.

Storage Savvy: Keep It Fresh

Got leftovers? No sweat. This homemade green bean casserole keeps well. Let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container.

It'll be good in the fridge for about 3 days. I wouldn't recommend freezing it, though. The texture of the green beans and mushroom sauce can change, and nobody wants a soggy casserole.

To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Cover with foil if the crispy onions start to brown too much.

Gourmet Green Bean Casserole Swaps: Get Creative

Want to tweak this recipe? Go for it! For a dairy-free option, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or oat cream.

You won't believe how creamy it gets. Seasonal ingredient swaps are the perfect way to use up fresh produce. Try adding roasted butternut squash in the autumn or peas in the spring.

This way, you will create a fresh green bean casserole recipe , for every season.

Nutrition 101: Feel Good Food

Okay, I'm no dietician, but I can give you the basics. This healthy green bean casserole recipe has some great stuff going for it.

You're getting fibre from the green beans, nutrients from the mushrooms, and it's way less processed than the classic version.

Each serving has approximately: 250-300 calories, 8g protein, 18g fat, 20g carbs, 5g fibre, 5g sugar, 400mg sodium. Remember, this is an estimate, but it's a good guideline.

Honestly, making a green bean casserole without cream is about ditching the can and embracing flavour. Follow these notes, and you'll be amazed at what you can create.

Have fun with it, and don't be afraid to experiment. Trust me, you've got this! This elevated green bean casserole recipe will be a total hit.