Delicious Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a beloved classic in many homes, especially during the holiday season. I can hardly recall a Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering without this comforting dish gracing the table. It’s not only simple to make, but it also combines the crispness of fresh green beans with creamy goodness and crunchy fried onions. This recipe embodies warmth and nostalgia, making it a staple for families looking to share something special.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up this Green Bean Casserole, either for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner. First and foremost, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone loves, from kids to grandparents. It’s budget-friendly too, requiring only a handful of ingredients that many people already have in their kitchens. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company rather than sweating over the stove.
“This Green Bean Casserole is my go-to for every holiday! It’s so creamy and the crispy onions on top are the best part—definitely a family favorite!” — Marianne T.
The cooking process explained
Making Green Bean Casserole is not just about following a recipe; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and textures. You’ll start by prepping your green beans, then follow up with a creamy mixture of mushroom soup and milk. If you enjoy a little more flavor, sautéing mushrooms is an option that adds depth. Toss everything together, bake, and finish with a golden, crispy onion topping. Here’s how to seamlessly create your dish.
What you’ll need
Before diving into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup French fried onions, divided
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for sautéing mushrooms)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to switch up the mushrooms for another veggie or use a dairy-free cream soup for a healthier twist.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using mushrooms, sauté them in butter until tender.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss in the green beans (and mushrooms if you’ve decided to use them) until well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dish is hot and bubbly.
- Stir in half of the fried onions and save the rest for topping.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the remaining onions are golden brown.
Best ways to enjoy it
Green Bean Casserole can be enjoyed in various creative ways! Serve it as a side dish alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham during the holidays, or make it the star of a weeknight dinner with some crusty bread. It also pairs beautifully with other green vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness.
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely, but just in case!), here’s how to keep them fresh. Store your Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For long-term storage, consider freezing it before baking—just make sure to cover it tightly. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for heating.
Tricks for success
To take your Green Bean Casserole to the next level, here are some savvy tips:
- Make sure you blanch your green beans correctly—this keeps them vibrant and maintains their crunch.
- If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the mushroom mixture.
- For added texture, use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with the fried onions for that perfect topping crunch.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some different flavors to your Green Bean Casserole. You might swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a garlic or onion soup. Adding cheddar cheese on top before the baking process gives a delightful twist. Alternatively, fold in some bacon bits for a savory crunch or replace the green beans with broccoli for a different take.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?
A: This Green Bean Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep, with a baking time of around 30 minutes.
Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with the other ingredients.
Q: How can I make it vegetarian-friendly?
A: Use vegetable broth in place of the cream of mushroom soup and stick to vegetable-based toppings.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, or freeze before baking.
If you have any more questions or need additional tips, feel free to reach out! Now, gather your ingredients and share the joy of this classic dish with your loved ones!
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched Blanching helps maintain the beans' crunch.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz can.
- 1/2 cup milk For creaminess.
- 1 cup French fried onions, divided Add half to the mixture and use the other half as topping.
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms Optional for added flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter For sautéing mushrooms (optional).
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Optional for extra flavor.
- to taste Salt Adjust according to preference.
- to taste Pepper Adjust according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using mushrooms, sauté them in butter until tender.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss in the green beans (and mushrooms if using) until well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dish is hot and bubbly.
- Stir in half of the fried onions and save the rest for topping.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the remaining onions are golden brown.
