Ultimate Fresh Green Bean Casserole Delight
Experience the ultimate twist on a classic favorite with this Fresh Green Bean Casserole Delight! Inspired by Claire Robinson from the Food Network, this recipe elevates the traditional green bean casserole to a whole new level using fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors. The crispness of tender French beans combined with a creamy, savory mushroom sauce and a crunchy corn flake topping creates the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or any holiday celebration, this delicious dish is sure to become a new family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kosher salt
to taste
Fresh French beans
1.5 lbs (ends trimmed)
Butter
4 tablespoons, divided
Vidalia onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Baby portabella mushrooms
4 ounces (cleaned and finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons))
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
Sour cream
1 cup
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Corn flakes cereal
1.5 cups (recommended (Corn Flakes))
Mozzarella cheese
0.5 lbs (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook until just tender but still crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, transfer the beans immediately to a bowl filled with ice water to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Drain the beans and set them aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped Vidalia onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4
Stir in the cleaned and chopped baby portabella mushrooms. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and sauté for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft.
5
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed mixture and stir well to combine, cooking for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gently whisk in the sour cream, and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
6
Cut the green beans into 2-inch pieces and add them to your prepared casserole dish.
7
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the corn flakes in a resealable plastic bag, crush them slightly, then add them to the melted butter. Toss until the flakes are evenly coated.
8
Spread the mushroom sauce over the green beans in the casserole dish, ensuring even coverage. Top with grated mozzarella cheese and finish with the buttered corn flakes for an extra crunch.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is light golden brown.
10
Once removed from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ultimate Fresh Green Bean Casserole Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Fresh Green Bean Casserole Delight?
It is a fresh and elevated twist on the classic holiday favorite, featuring fresh French beans, a homemade creamy mushroom sauce, and a crunchy corn flake topping.
What makes this recipe different from traditional versions?
This recipe uses fresh ingredients like French beans and baby portabella mushrooms instead of canned goods, and substitutes traditional fried onions with a buttered corn flake and mozzarella topping.
What kind of green beans are best for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for 1.5 lbs of fresh French beans with the ends trimmed.
How should the fresh green beans be prepared before baking?
The beans should be boiled in salted water for 5 to 7 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately placed in an ice bath to preserve their color and stop the cooking.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long do the green beans need to boil?
They should boil for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until they are just tender.
Why is an ice bath used for the green beans?
The ice bath halts the cooking process immediately, which helps the beans keep their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Which onions are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped Vidalia onions for their sweet flavor.
What kind of mushrooms are included in the sauce?
The sauce uses 4 ounces of baby portabella mushrooms, which should be cleaned and finely chopped.
How do you prepare the baby portabella mushrooms?
Sauté them in butter with the onions for 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft.
What provides the creamy texture in the sauce?
The creaminess comes from one cup of sour cream whisked into the mushroom and flour mixture.
How do you prevent a raw flour taste in the mushroom sauce?
After sprinkling the flour over the vegetables, cook and stir the mixture for about 1 minute before adding the sour cream.
How long should the sauce mixture simmer?
Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors together before combining it with the beans.
What size should the green beans be cut into for the casserole?
After blanching, cut the green beans into 2-inch pieces before placing them in the casserole dish.
How much butter is used for the corn flake topping?
Use 2 tablespoons of melted butter to coat the crushed corn flakes.
How do you prepare the corn flake topping?
Place the corn flakes in a resealable bag, crush them slightly, and then toss them with melted butter until evenly coated.
What type of cheese is used in this casserole?
The recipe uses 0.5 lbs of grated mozzarella cheese.
How is the casserole assembled?
Place the beans in the dish, spread the mushroom sauce over them, top with mozzarella cheese, and finish with the buttered corn flakes.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for approximately 20 minutes.
What is the visual indicator that the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the corn flake topping is a light golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or any holiday celebration.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Claire Robinson from the Food Network.
Can I substitute the Vidalia onion if I cannot find one?
Yes, any sweet onion or a standard yellow onion can be used as a substitute.
How much flour is needed for the sauce base?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What kind of salt is suggested for seasoning?
Kosher salt is recommended for both the boiling water and the sauce.
How much sour cream is required for the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sour cream.
How much mozzarella cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 0.5 lbs (8 ounces) of grated mozzarella cheese.
How many cups of corn flakes are needed for the topping?
You will need 1.5 cups of corn flake cereal.
Should the casserole be served immediately?
It is recommended to let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Can I use fresh ground black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests using fresh ground black pepper to taste for seasoning the mushroom mixture.