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If you’re searching for a dish that brings comfort, vibrant color, and that nostalgic holiday feel all in one, this Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a total winner. Made with fresh or frozen green beans combined with a rich Portabella Mushroom Bisque, topped generously with cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions, this casserole is not only simple to prepare but bursts with layered textures and deep, savory flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms any meal into a heartwarming occasion and becomes an instant favorite on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role. From the freshness and slight crunch of the green beans to the creamy umami-packed mushroom bisque, and the delightful crispy toppings, these components harmonize beautifully to deliver that perfect bite time after time.
- Fresh or frozen green beans, 1 pound: Choose bright green, crisp beans for the freshest flavor and texture.
- Portabella Mushroom Bisque, 1 (16 ounce) jar: This creamy soup is the secret sauce making the casserole irresistibly rich and earthy.
- French’s fried onions, 2 cups (divided): Half goes inside for that essential crunch mixed throughout, and half tops the casserole for a golden, crispy finish.
- Freshly grated cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup: Adds a mild sharpness and melty goodness that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the top third position. This ensures even heat circulation so your casserole bakes to creamy, bubbly perfection with a delightfully crisp top.
Step 2: Cook and Cool the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans—cook frozen beans for 3 minutes, and fresh beans for a full 5 minutes. This brief blanching keeps them tender yet still crisp, preserving their vibrant green color. Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately. Make sure they are well drained before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Beans with Mushroom Bisque and Onions
Shake the jar of Portabella Mushroom Bisque to blend all the flavor-packed goodness inside, then pour it over the green beans in a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. Add half of the fried onions and toss everything thoroughly so each bean is coated with creamy mushroom magic and balanced by crisp onion bits.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Remaining Onions
Evenly sprinkle freshly grated cheddar cheese over the casserole, then top with the remaining fried onions. This step guarantees a golden, cheesy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender beans underneath.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until you see bubbles rising and the top is perfectly crisp and golden. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let those flavors settle and meld.
How to Serve Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish can brighten the cozy richness of your casserole. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. These herbs add a lovely pop of color and a subtle fresh note that balances the creamy and cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
This Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic roasted turkey or grilled chicken, making it a standout side dish for holiday dinners or weeknight feasts alike. Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf also complement the casserole’s textures and flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this green bean casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, layer it in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase its inviting layers of beans, bisque, cheese, and onions—making your presentation as delightful as the taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, any leftover casserole can be covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture and crunchy topping.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the topping from burning and heat in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the fried onions on top.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans provide a brighter color and slightly firmer texture, making them a fantastic choice for this Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe. Just be sure to blanch them properly to maintain their bite.
Is there a substitute for the mushroom bisque?
If you can’t find Portabella Mushroom Bisque, a creamy mushroom soup or a homemade mushroom sauce works well too. The key is the rich, savory flavor that complements the green beans and cheese.
Can this casserole be made vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the mushroom bisque for a dairy-free mushroom soup, use vegan cheese, and choose a dairy-free fried onion topping or make your own. This will keep the fresh green bean casserole flavorful while meeting dietary needs.
What if I want a crunchier topping?
For extra crunch, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter along with the fried onions before baking. This adds a wonderful golden texture and enhances the traditional topping.
How long can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it tightly covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed for fresh, hot comfort food.
Final Thoughts
There really is something magical about this Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe that feels both comforting and special all at once. It’s easy to make, comes together with simple ingredients, and delivers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors every single time. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll have a permanent spot on your table and in your heart. Give it a go and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic and comforting Fresh Green Bean Casserole made with crisp-tender green beans, creamy Portabella Mushroom Bisque, crispy French’s fried onions, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and easy side dish for any dinner or holiday meal.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 (16 ounce) jar Zoup! Good, Really Good® Portabella Mushroom Bisque
- 2 cups French’s fried onions, divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third.
- Cook Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and boil for 3 minutes if frozen, or 5 minutes if fresh. Immediately transfer the beans to a colander and rinse under very cold water to stop cooking. Drain well and place the beans evenly into a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Add Sauce and Onions: Shake the jar of Portabella Mushroom Bisque well, then pour it over the green beans in the casserole dish. Add half of the French’s fried onions and gently toss to combine and spread evenly.
- Add Cheese and Remaining Onions: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by the remaining fried onions.
- Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and set.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture, but frozen beans work well for convenience.
- Be sure to rinse the beans under cold water after boiling to keep them crisp-tender.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
- This casserole is best served warm and within a few hours of baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven.
