Green Bean Casserole Recipe
If you love classic comfort food with a nostalgic touch, you are going to adore this Green Bean Casserole Recipe. It perfectly balances creamy mushroom goodness with tender green beans and a crispy onion topping that adds delightful texture. This dish is a tried-and-true favorite for sharing around the table, bringing warmth and a homey feel to any meal. Whether it’s holiday time or just a cozy weeknight, this green bean casserole never fails to please with its familiar flavors and simple, uplifting ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making your Green Bean Casserole Recipe truly shine. Each element plays a key role, from the rich creaminess of the mushroom soup to the crispy onions that give it that iconic crunch.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Provides a smooth, savory base that binds the casserole beautifully.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and helps achieve that silky, luscious texture.
- Soy sauce (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle umami boost that deepens the flavor without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle hint of spice to balance the richness.
- Cooked green beans (4 cups or 2 cans, drained): The star of the dish, tender yet firm for the perfect bite.
- Crispy fried onions (1 1/3 cups, divided): Crucial for that unbeatable crunch on top and mixed throughout the casserole.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Mix the Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and perfectly blended. This creamy sauce is the foundation that ties all the flavors together.
Step 2: Incorporate the Green Beans and Onions
Gently fold the cooked green beans and two-thirds of the crispy fried onions into the mushroom sauce. This step ensures every bite has a combination of creamy, tender, and crunchy textures that make the Green Bean Casserole Recipe so memorable.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour in the mixture, spreading it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, allowing the casserole to get bubbly and hot throughout.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Finish Baking
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly on top for that signature golden crunch. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onions are perfectly toasted and the casserole is irresistibly bubbly.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra color and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a few thin slices of green onion on top right before serving. These fresh garnishes add a lovely pop of green that helps brighten the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken. It also complements mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce wonderfully, making it a classic go-to for holiday meals or any comforting feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. It adds a personal touch to your table and is perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings alike. Alternatively, layer it in a clear glass dish showing off each delicious component.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It stays flavorful and moist, ready to brighten your next meal with very little effort.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning, and remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the onions again if needed.
FAQs
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade mushroom sauce with sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk. It provides a fresher taste and lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just trim and boil fresh green beans for 5 to 6 minutes until tender-crisp before using them in the casserole. This brings a vibrant flavor and firmer texture compared to canned beans.
Is this Green Bean Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian-friendly soup and soy sauce. It’s a fulfilling side dish that fits nicely into many plant-based menus.
How do I get the fried onions extra crispy?
To keep the onions crispy, add most of them into the mixture before baking and reserve some to sprinkle on top at the end, baking just until golden. This layering helps maintain crunchiness without burning.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake it just before serving to enjoy fresh, bubbly, and perfectly crisp-topped Green Bean Casserole Recipe magic.
Final Thoughts
There really is something so comforting and satisfying about this Green Bean Casserole Recipe that makes it a must-have in the recipe box. It brings warmth, simplicity, and incredible flavor to any table, whether it’s a festive holiday spread or a quiet dinner at home. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to side dishes you’ll want to prepare again and again.
Print
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or any dinner gathering. Made with tender green beans, rich cream of mushroom soup, and topped with crispy fried onions, it delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 4 cups cooked green beans (or 2 cans drained)
Topping
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the casserole mixture.
- Mix Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a creamy sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold in the cooked green beans and 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions into the sauce mixture, making sure the beans are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble Dish: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula for uniform cooking and presentation.
- First Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to become bubbly and hot.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top, then return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onion topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve Warm: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving warm as a delicious and hearty side dish.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, consider using fresh sautéed mushrooms or adding a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce.
- If using fresh green beans, trim and boil them for 5-6 minutes before incorporating to ensure tenderness.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience during busy holidays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
