Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Fresh Green Bean Casserole?
It is an elevated version of the classic holiday side dish that uses fresh ingredients and a homemade mushroom sauce instead of canned soup.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 12 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius).
How many green beans are required?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of green beans with the ends trimmed and halved.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of white button mushrooms, stems trimmed and broken into 1/2-inch pieces.
How long do I boil the green beans?
Boil the green beans for approximately 6 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
Why do I need a bowl of ice water?
The ice water bath stops the cooking process immediately after boiling, preserving the beans' texture and color.
How do I prepare the crispy topping?
Pulse white bread with butter, salt, and pepper in a food processor, then toss with canned fried onions.
What ingredients are in the topping?
The topping consists of 4 slices of white bread, softened butter, salt, pepper, and 3 cups of canned fried onions.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
A total of 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter is used, divided between the topping and the sauce.
How many garlic cloves are in the sauce?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves.
What liquids are used for the homemade sauce?
The sauce is made using 1 1/2 cups of low sodium chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream.
How long does the mushroom sauce need to simmer?
Simmer the sauce for about 12 minutes until it thickens and reduces to approximately 3 1/2 cups.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 3-quart or 13 by 9-inch baking dish is recommended.
How long does the casserole bake?
The casserole bakes for approximately 15 minutes.
What is the indicator that the casserole is done?
The topping should be golden brown and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
Should I serve this dish immediately?
Yes, for the best flavor and texture, it should be served immediately after baking.
How do I prepare the white bread for the topping?
Tear 4 slices of white bread into quarters before pulsing them in a food processor.
What amount of flour is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of unbleached all-purpose flour.
How much salt is used in the boiling water?
Add 2 tablespoons of table salt to 4 quarts of water.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed.
Does this recipe include canned fried onions?
Yes, it uses 3 cups (about 6 ounces) of canned fried onions as part of the topping.
What should I do with the mushrooms before cooking?
Trim the stems and break the mushrooms into 1/2-inch pieces.
How long should I cook the mushrooms?
Cook them for about 6 minutes until they release their moisture and the liquid evaporates.
Where should the oven rack be placed?
Adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
How much salt is added to the sauce?
The sauce uses 3/4 teaspoon of table salt, divided.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter to better control the salt levels.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is tagged as a thanksgiving side dish and holiday recipe.
How do I combine the beans and sauce?
Add the drained green beans directly into the Dutch oven with the mushroom sauce and stir until evenly coated.
What makes the topping coarse?
Pulsing the bread with softened butter in the food processor creates coarse breadcrumbs.