From scratch, fresh green bean casserole is a show-stopper side dish recipe you didn't know you needed.

An overhead view of fresh green bean casserole in a baking dish.

Fresh green bean casserole is a fresh take on the traditional green bean casserole. Made with fresh green beans, a homemade mushroom soup base, and a crispy onion topping.

Don't let the ingredient fool you, this recipe is a lot easier to make than you will want to let on. This is the perfect comfort food side dish recipe for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and anytime you want an impressive side dish.

Pair this fresh side dish with Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Velveeta and Corn Flake Hashbrown Casserole for the ultimate holiday spread.

An overhead view of fresh green bean casserole in a baking dish with a wooden spoon.

Why You Will Love Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Fresh Ingredients - This green bean casserole is made with fresh green beans and a rich, creamy homemade mushroom sauce.
Crowd Favorite - Family and friends absolutely love this side dish recipe for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and every day in between. After you make this once, everyone will ask for it again and again.

Tools

9x13 Baking Dish
Large Pot
Colander
Large Skillet or Pot
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
Garlic Press (optional)
Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons
Whisk
Large Spoon
Serving Spoon

An overhead view of fresh green bean casserole in a baking dish with a small plate of green bean casserole.

Ingredients

Before you head to the recipe card for exact measurements, here’s a quick look at what you’ll be using.

Fresh Green Beans - Fresh green beans are the star of this green bean casserole side dish. The green beans have a texture that you cannot get from canned green beans.
Butter - Butter is used to sauté the mushrooms, onions, and garlic. It is also used to create the roux that will thicken the fresh mushroom sauce.
Flour - The other half of the roux. The flour is the thickener that will give us the rich, smooth, and creamy sauce.
Onion - Cooked onions add subtle flavor to the side dish recipe.
Garlic - Garlic has a distinct kick that enhances the flavor of the fresh green bean casserole.
Mushrooms - The fresh mushrooms replace the canned cream of mushroom soup in a traditional green bean casserole. They give the sauce a fresh flavor.
Chicken Broth - The chicken broth adds savory flavor and balances the heavy creaminess of the sauce.
Half and Half - This gives the sauce its creaminess, replacing the heaviness of cream of mushroom soup.
Salt and Pepper - Classic seasonings that enhance the sauce's flavors.
Crispy Fried Onions - The traditional topping on a green bean casserole. This gives the casserole a crunchy, distinctive flavor.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans and boil for 5 minutes. Drain in the colander and set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture. Cook the flour mixture for a minute, then whisk in the chicken broth and half and half. Stir until thickened.

Step 5

Stir in the salt and pepper. Add the fresh green beans and ½ cup of the crispy fried onions and mix well.

Step 6

Spoon into the baking dish.

Step 7

Bake for 25 minutes. Add the remaining crispy fried onion topping and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 4

Serve and enjoy!

Tips For The Best Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Assemble the casserole without the crispy fried onion topping up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes in advance. Bake as directed.
Don't overcook the green beans; we are going for a tender-crisp texture.
Don't add the green beans until the mushroom sauce is fully thickened.

Variations

For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable stock.
Mix in crispy fried bite sized bacon pieces to the green bean and mushroom sauce mixture.
Stir in Parmesan cheese before adding the green beans for a cheesy green bean casserole.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate for up to four days.
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350° F until thoroughly heated.
Add additional crispy fried onions when reheating.

More Holiday Side Dish Recipes You May Love

Corn Flake Hashbrown Casserole - A simple potato casserole with a crunchy Corn Flake topping.
Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Velveeta -A family favorite that is special enough for the holidays, but easy enough for a weeknight meal.