Imagine a steaming dish of Green Bean Casserole, its golden top crackling as it emerges from the oven.
This cozy classic, free from mushroom soup, is incredibly simple to prepare, promising comfort with every bite.
As the fresh green beans mingle with creamy cheddar and a crispy onion topping, their flavors meld into a delightful transformation.
Let’s bring this heartwarming side dish to life and enjoy its irresistible charm together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoons set
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Green Bean Casserole without mushroom soup, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
- Read through the entire recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment (baking dish, large pot, mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cup, and measuring spoons).
- Prepping the Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Trim and cut the fresh green beans into 1-inch pieces.
- Finely chop the medium onion.
- Cooking Steps (40 minutes):
- Preheat the Oven (2 minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch Green Beans (8 minutes total):
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil (3-4 minutes).
- Blanch the green beans in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the green beans and set them aside.
- Cook Onion and Prepare Sauce (10 minutes):
- In the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of whole milk until the sauce thickens.
- Season and Add Cheese (3 minutes):
- Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder to the sauce, stirring well.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine and Bake (17 minutes):
- Mix the blanched green beans into the sauce until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and top with 1 1/2 cups of French-fried onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes.
Drain the green beans and set them aside.
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat and add the chopped onion, cooking until translucent.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sauce, stirring well.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
Mix the cooked green beans into the sauce until well coated.
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and top with French-fried onions.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Roast Turkey: A classic pairing for a festive holiday meal, complementing the creamy casserole.
- Mashed Potatoes: Their smooth, buttery texture balances the crunchy topping of the casserole.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors in the dish.
- Stuffing: Provides a hearty, seasoned accompaniment that enhances the overall meal.
- Gravy: Drizzle over everything for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Storage
Store leftover Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispness of the French-fried onions.
Freezing
To freeze Green Bean Casserole, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer to an airtight container.
Label and date it.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating Green Bean Casserole, use an oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Cover with foil to prevent burning.
Uncover for the last 5 minutes for crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that’s perfect for holidays and family gatherings.
It combines the freshness of green beans with a creamy sauce and a crunchy topping.
The recipe provided here doesn’t use mushroom soup, offering a homemade sauce that enhances the flavors.
The use of fresh green beans is recommended as they provide the best texture.
However, canned green beans can be used if necessary, making certain to drain them well.
For a richer sauce, consider substituting half of the milk with heavy cream.
A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can also be added for extra depth of flavor.
After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ascertain the flavors meld together beautifully.
This dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Cheddar?
You can definitely switch the cheddar for another cheese. Try mozzarella for a creamy texture or Gruyère for a nutty flavor. Make certain it melts well to blend seamlessly with the sauce, enhancing your casserole’s richness.
Is There a Vegetarian Alternative to Chicken Broth?
You can swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. It’ll maintain the savory depth while aligning with vegetarian needs. Make sure you simmer the broth thoroughly to enhance those rich, aromatic flavors in your dish.
How Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Confirm your French-fried onions are gluten-free, or make homemade versions using gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crispy, satisfying topping.
Can I Prepare the Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as instructed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to guarantee it’s heated through.
What Can I Substitute for French-Fried Onions?
You can swap French-fried onions with crispy shallots or toasted breadcrumbs. Sauté sliced shallots until golden and crunchy, or toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and bake until crispy. They’ll add delightful texture and flavor to your casserole.
Green Bean Casserole No Mushroom Soup
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoons set
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the green beans and set them aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat and add the chopped onion, cooking until translucent.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sauce, stirring well.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Mix the cooked green beans into the sauce until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and top with French-fried onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
