Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green Bean Casserole is a beloved classic that graces many holiday tables, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. This dish combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with crispy fried onions for that perfect crunchy finish. It’s comforting, delicious, and easy to make, which is why it has become a holiday staple. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to this dish, this Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe is the go-to version that brings together the classic flavors everyone loves.

What is Traditional Green Bean Casserole?

Traditional Green Bean Casserole is a simple, hearty dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and crispy fried onions. The combination of creamy sauce and crunchy onions makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for holiday meals or a cozy side dish for any family dinner. While some variations exist, this recipe sticks to the original version created by Campbell’s Soup in the 1950s, which has stood the test of time.

Ingredients List for Traditional Green Bean Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans: Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces, or 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of green beans, drained. You can also use frozen green beans.
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup: The base of the casserole.
• 1 cup milk: To thin out the soup and make the casserole creamy.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds depth and a touch of umami (optional but recommended).
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
• 1 ½ cups French fried onions: Divided. These are essential for the crispy topping.

Substitutions and Variations

This Traditional Green Bean Casserole can be customized based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

Substitutions:

• Frozen or canned green beans: If you don’t have fresh green beans, frozen or canned beans work just as well. If using canned green beans, be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
• Cream of chicken or 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, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk, and opt for a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup.

Variations:

• Cheesy green bean casserole: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the mixture for a cheesy version.
• Bacon twist: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the casserole for extra smokiness and flavor.
• Garlic and herbs: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary for a more flavorful version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Traditional Green Bean Casserole is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Prep the Green Beans

1. Fresh green beans: If you’re using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the beans in boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
2. Frozen green beans: Thaw the beans by running them under cold water or letting them thaw in the fridge. Drain any excess water.
3. Canned green beans: Drain the canned beans and rinse them to remove excess salt.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
2. Stir in ½ cup of the French fried onions and the prepared green beans until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the green bean mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Onion Topping

1. After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and uncover.
2. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
3. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, crunchy, and delicious dish alongside your holiday favorites or weeknight dinners!

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

1. Blanch the green beans (if using fresh), or thaw/drain frozen or canned beans.
2. Mix the sauce with cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and seasoning.
3. Assemble the casserole in a greased baking dish.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, then add crispy onions on top.
5. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the green beans: If using fresh green beans, avoid overcooking them during blanching. They should still have a bit of crispness to prevent them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
• Skipping the onion topping: The crispy fried onions are essential for the texture and flavor, so don't leave them out or add them too early (they can get soggy).
• Not draining canned green beans: If using canned green beans, be sure to drain and rinse them well to avoid a watery casserole.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Traditional Green Bean Casserole is a wonderful side dish for many different meals. Here are some ideas for how to serve and present it:

How to Serve Traditional Green Bean Casserole:

• Holiday side dish: This casserole is a classic for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, served alongside turkey, ham, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
• Pair with weeknight dinners: Serve with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even baked fish for a simple but satisfying weeknight dinner.
• Potluck favorite: Green Bean Casserole is great for potlucks because it’s easy to transport and holds up well.

Presentation Ideas for Traditional Green Bean Casserole:

• Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
• Serve in a rustic cast-iron skillet or a decorative casserole dish for a homey, cozy presentation.
• If serving for a holiday, pair the casserole with other traditional dishes and set it in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves.

Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed. Add the onions in the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Crispier onions: For extra crispiness, bake the fried onions separately on a baking sheet and sprinkle them over the casserole just before serving.
• Customize the seasoning: Feel free to add more garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to amp up the flavor of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onion topping) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the recipe, adding the crispy onions during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

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

Absolutely! Frozen green beans work just as well—simply thaw and drain them before using. Canned green beans also work, but be sure to drain and rinse them to remove any excess salt or liquid.

Can I freeze Green Bean Casserole?

While it’s best to make this dish fresh, you can freeze it if necessary. Assemble the casserole without the fried onions, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding the crispy onions during the last few minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Traditional Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight meals. With tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy onion topping, it’s no wonder this dish has become a family favorite for generations. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving or just need an easy side dish, this classic casserole is sure to satisfy. Plus, with a few simple variations, you can easily make it your own!

Now that you’ve got the recipe and all the tips, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start cooking this Traditional Green Bean Casserole for your next meal. Enjoy!

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