Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green Bean Casserole is an iconic dish, especially during the holiday season. Creamy, savory, and topped with crispy fried onions, it’s a perfect complement to turkey, ham, or any festive meal. This classic recipe is easy to prepare and combines simple ingredients like green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions to create a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. Whether you're making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family dinner, this Green Bean Casserole is sure to be a hit!

this Recipe

What Is Green Bean Casserole?

Green Bean Casserole is a traditional American side dish that dates back to the 1950s. Created by Campbell's Soup Company, it was designed as a quick and easy recipe using everyday pantry staples. The dish combines green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and is topped with crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish. Over the years, it has become a staple at holiday tables and is loved for its simplicity and comforting flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy to make: It comes together in just a few steps with simple ingredients.
• Delicious flavors: Creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping make this a crowd-pleaser.
• Perfect for gatherings: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday feasts.

Ingredients List for Green Bean Casserole

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic casserole:

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of cut green beans, drained (you can also use fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added depth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ⅓ cups French fried onions, divided

Optional Add-Ins:

• Shredded cheddar cheese: For a cheesy version, add ½ to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Fresh mushrooms: Sautéed fresh mushrooms can be added for more texture and flavor.
• Bacon: Add crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize Green Bean Casserole to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Fresh Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 4-5 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This ensures they are tender but still retain a bit of bite.
• Frozen Green Beans: You can use frozen green beans directly without thawing, but you may need to bake the casserole slightly longer.
• Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make your own by preparing a roux with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions for a gluten-free dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the best Green Bean Casserole for your next gathering!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans

If using canned green beans, drain them well. If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling salted water for 4-5 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. For a cheesy variation, stir in ½ to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Add the drained green beans to the soup mixture and stir until the beans are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Fried Onions

Sprinkle ⅔ cup of the fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the onions on top are golden brown.

Step 7: Add More Crispy Onions

After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the remaining fried onions. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are crispy and browned.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Your Green Bean Casserole is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Cook Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch fresh green beans or drain canned beans.
3. Mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine green beans with the soup mixture and pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Top with fried onions and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Add remaining fried onions and bake for another 5 minutes.
7. Cool slightly and serve for a warm, comforting side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the green beans: If you’re using fresh or frozen green beans, make sure not to overcook them during blanching. You want them tender but still firm.
• Not draining canned beans: Failing to drain the canned green beans can make the casserole watery, so be sure to drain them well.
• Burning the fried onions: Keep an eye on the casserole in the last few minutes to ensure the onions don’t burn. If they start to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
• Skipping seasoning: Taste your sauce mixture before adding it to the green beans. If it tastes bland, add a bit more salt, pepper, or even some garlic powder or soy sauce for extra flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Green Bean Casserole is a versatile dish that works as a side for many different main courses. With a few simple touches, you can elevate the presentation and make it stand out on your dinner table.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole

• Holiday Side Dish: Serve alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Everyday Dinner: This casserole is a great side for chicken, pork chops, or even grilled steaks.
• Vegetarian Meal: Pair it with mashed potatoes and other vegetable sides for a hearty vegetarian dinner.

Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Casserole

• Serve in a Casserole Dish: If you're making this for a special occasion, bake the casserole in a decorative dish and serve it directly from the oven to the table.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or thyme.
• Top with Cheese: For a cheesy version, sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese before adding the fried onions for the final bake.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: While canned green beans are convenient, using fresh or frozen green beans will give you a better texture and flavor.
• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, like paprika, thyme, or onion powder, to make the dish your own.
• Cheesy Variation: If you love cheese, don't hesitate to add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan to the sauce or even as a final topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh green beans for this recipe?

Yes, fresh green beans work great in this recipe! Be sure to blanch them first to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.

Can I make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just assemble everything except the fried onions, refrigerate, and then bake when you're ready. Add the fried onions right before baking to keep them crispy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze Green Bean Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze Green Bean Casserole, but for the best texture, freeze it without the fried onion topping. Add the onions fresh when you reheat the casserole.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! You can mix in mushrooms, carrots, or even chopped bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe is a must-have at holiday meals, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting, delicious side dish. With its creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping, it’s no wonder this dish has been a favorite for decades. Whether you stick with the traditional version or add your own twist, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Ready to make this easy, comforting side dish? Gather your ingredients and start cooking today!

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