Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green Bean Casserole is a beloved classic, perfect for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners. This comforting dish combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for that satisfying crunch. Whether you're making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering, this easy and delicious recipe is sure to please a crowd. In this guide, we'll go over all the steps, tips, and variations you need to create the perfect Green Bean Casserole!

What is Green Bean Casserole?

Green Bean Casserole is a classic American dish traditionally made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It’s a popular holiday side dish, loved for its creamy, savory base and crunchy onion topping. The combination of textures and flavors—tender green beans, rich mushroom sauce, and crispy onions—makes it a perfect comfort food.

Ingredients List for Green Bean Casserole

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this classic dish:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans: Trimmed and cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces. You can also use frozen or canned green beans.
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup: The classic base for the casserole.
• 1 cup milk: To thin out the soup and create a creamy sauce.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Optional, but enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season the green beans and sauce.
• 1 ½ cups French fried onions: Divided. These add crunch and flavor to the casserole.

Substitutions and Variations

You can make several adjustments to this traditional Green Bean Casserole recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Substitutions:

• Fresh, frozen, or canned green beans: Fresh green beans are preferred for their texture, but frozen (thawed) or canned (drained) green beans work as well.
• Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
• Dairy-free version: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk, and find a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup.
• Homemade cream of mushroom soup: If you prefer, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup by sautéing mushrooms in butter, then adding flour, broth, and cream to make a roux.

Variations:

• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the casserole mixture before baking for extra richness.
• Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Cook 4-5 slices of bacon, crumble them, and stir them into the green beans for a savory, smoky twist.
• Spicy Green Bean Casserole: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Vegetable add-ins: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, onions, or even carrots for added texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Green Bean Casserole recipe is straightforward and comes together in just a few steps. Whether you're using fresh, frozen, or canned green beans, you'll have this dish ready in no time!

Step 1: Prep the Green Beans

1. If using fresh green beans: Trim the ends and cut the beans into bite-sized pieces. Blanch them by boiling them in salted water for 3-5 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. If using frozen green beans: Thaw them in the microwave or at room temperature. Drain any excess water.
3. If using canned green beans: Drain and rinse them under cold water to reduce the salt content.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

1. In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Stir in ½ cup of the French fried onions to add some crunch to the casserole base.

Step 3: Combine Everything

1. Add the prepared green beans to the mushroom soup mixture and stir until the beans are fully coated in the sauce.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the casserole is heated through.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Onion Topping

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top.
2. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the crispy onion topping is golden and crunchy, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious side dish with your favorite main course!

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

1. Prepare the green beans: Blanch fresh beans or drain frozen/canned beans.
2. Mix the sauce: Combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, seasonings, and some of the fried onions.
3. Assemble the casserole: Stir the green beans into the sauce and pour into a baking dish.
4. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, then top with crispy onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not blanching fresh green beans: If using fresh beans, blanch them before baking. Skipping this step could result in tough or undercooked beans.
• Overcooking the onions: Keep an eye on the fried onion topping when baking. If they cook too long, they can burn instead of getting crispy and golden.
• Not draining canned beans: Be sure to drain and rinse canned beans to avoid a soggy or overly salty casserole.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Green Bean Casserole is a staple for holiday meals, but it can also be a great side dish for weeknight dinners. Here’s how to make sure your dish shines.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole:

• Holiday-style: Serve this casserole alongside classic Thanksgiving dishes like roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
• Weeknight dinner: Pair it with meatloaf, baked chicken, or pork chops for a comforting, hearty meal.

Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Casserole:

• Serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet or rustic baking dish for a homey, cozy look.
• Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or chopped herbs to add a pop of color and freshness.
• For a touch of elegance, use a ceramic baking dish and present the casserole directly at the table.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance (without adding the fried onions), cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake as directed and add the crispy onions at the end.
• Crispier onions: For extra crunch, bake the fried onions separately on a sheet pan and sprinkle them on top right before serving.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk to ½ cup. If you like it creamier, add an extra ¼ cup of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole without the crispy onions and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake the casserole, then add the fried onions at the end and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans should be blanched first, and frozen green beans should be thawed. Both work well and provide a fresher taste and texture compared to canned beans.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, although the crispy onions may lose some of their crunch when reheated.

Conclusion

This Green Bean Casserole recipe is a true classic, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side dish for any meal. With tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy onion topping, it’s easy to see why this dish has become a staple in many households. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just want a quick and delicious side dish, this recipe delivers all the flavor and comfort you crave. Plus, with simple substitutions and variations, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes!

Now that you have everything you need to make the perfect Green Bean Casserole, grab your ingredients and enjoy this comforting, savory dish with your loved ones!

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