The Best Green Bean Casserole
Grab your oven mitts and prepare to bask in the delightful aroma of The Best Green Bean Casserole! As you walk into your kitchen, you’re greeted by the inviting scents of savory mushroom soup mingling with crispy fried onions. It’s a dish that not only warms the heart but also brings families together around the dinner table, especially during the holidays. Just picture that creamy, comforting texture enveloping perfectly tender green beans, topped with a golden crown of crunchy onions—pure bliss!
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I fondly remember the first time I had this classic dish at my grandmother’s Thanksgiving gathering. Everyone would gather, chatter filling the air, while she presented her signature casserole with an unmistakable gleam in her eye. It was a staple in our holiday celebrations, and it always sparked laughter and stories, creating memories we cherish to this day. So, whether you’re preparing for a festive feast or just looking for an easy, cozy side dish, you’re going to love making The Best Green Bean Casserole. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Only five minutes of prep time—perfect for those busy holiday mornings.
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, savory mushroom goodness meets a satisfying crunch from fried onions.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown topping adds a rustic charm to your table that’s sure to impress.
- Flexible Serving: A delightful addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, dinner parties, or even a casual weeknight meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free fried onions and cream of mushroom soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: A staple for creating that velvety sauce. Be sure to choose the classic version for the best flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, a homemade version can be substituted.
- Whole Milk: This adds creaminess. You can swap it with half-and-half for an even richer taste or use a non-dairy milk as an alternative.
- Soy Sauce: Just a touch enhances umami, bringing out the savory aspect of the dish. Low-sodium soy sauce works well if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper is best for that extra kick. Adjust to taste if you’re catering to sensitivity.
- Green Beans: Two cans of drained green beans (cut or whole) provide convenience. Fresh or frozen alternatives work too; just remember to cook them until tender.
- French’s Crispy Fried Onions: These are essential for the crunch factor. If you’d prefer to make your own, consider lightly frying onion rings in oil to achieve that crispy texture.
How to Make The Best Green Bean Casserole
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This step ensures easy serving later on while making clean-up a breeze. The key here is to create an inviting baking environment for our delicious casserole!
Combine Creamy Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and whole milk, ensuring it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Stir in the soy sauce and black pepper to elevate the flavors. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, creating that irresistible, creamy texture that binds everything together, so don’t rush this step!
Add Green Beans: Fold in the drained green beans until they’re completely coated in your luscious sauce. Make sure every bean is enveloped in that creamy goodness. It’s like giving each bean its own blanket of flavor! Your casserole is already looking delicious before it even hits the oven.
Incorporate Crispy Onions: Toss in half a cup of French’s crispy fried onions, mixing them gently to combine. This will add a delightful crunch into the casserole itself. Bake is a bit of magic—this blend will hold its texture while amplifying the deliciousness of the dish as it cooks.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer your mixture into the prepped baking dish and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, just until it’s hot and bubbling around the edges—your kitchen will transform into a cozy haven of aromas! Don’t forget, halfway through baking, give it a good stir to ensure even cooking and prevent any sticking.
Top and Finish: After 30 minutes, pull the casserole out of the oven, and give it a good stir again. Here’s where the magic really happens—sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. You want them golden brown and super crispy! This final step adds an irresistible crunch that takes each bite over the top.
Storing & Reheating
To store your delicious Green Bean Casserole, keep it covered at room temperature for no more than two hours. In the fridge, it can last for about 3-5 days in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, cool the casserole completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe dish, where it can stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. Keep in mind that while the flavors remain delightful, this dish may lose some texture upon reheating. A sprinkle of fresh fried onions before serving can refresh that crunch!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to drain the green beans thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
- For an even creamier texture, let the cream of mushroom soup come to room temperature before mixing.
- You can use fresh green beans! Just blanch them for about three minutes beforehand to maintain a nice texture.
- If you’re making this ahead of time, prepare everything up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. When it’s time to bake, do so straight from the fridge, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- For a flavor twist, sprinkle a little garlic powder or onion powder in with the soup mixture for extra depth.
The key benefits of The Best Green Bean Casserole are its simplicity and flavor, proving you don’t need complicated methods to achieve incredible taste. This dish is a fantastic way to make mealtime special, whether for holidays or just a cozy weeknight dinner. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and toppings; perhaps throw in some cheese or swap out the fried onions for crushed cracker crumbs next time! Enjoy each bite of this nostalgic classic, and remember—it’s all about the moments you share at the table.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans can make your casserole even more delicious. Just blanch them for about three minutes in boiling water until they’re bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and add them to your casserole mix for the same delightful flavors with a fresh twist.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven. Allow for a few extra minutes of baking since it’s starting from a cold state.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and pick up gluten-free crispy fried onions. These substitutions maintain the classic flavor while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities. You’re still going to love it!
How can I add more flavor to the casserole?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding sautéed garlic or onions during the mix. You can also experiment with spices like garlic powder, thyme, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking for an umami boost that will elevate your casserole game!
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📖 Recipe Card
The Best Green Bean Casserole
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Green Bean Casserole features creamy mushroom soup, tender green beans, and a crunchy fried onion topping. It’s simple to prepare and ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Whole Milk
- Soy Sauce
- Black Pepper
- Green Beans
- French's Crispy Fried Onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Whisk together cream of mushroom soup and whole milk until smooth. Stir in soy sauce and black pepper.
- Fold in drained green beans until coated with the mixture.
- Toss in half a cup of crispy fried onions and mix gently.
- Transfer to the baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbling.
- Stir and top with remaining fried onions; bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Drain green beans well to avoid a watery casserole.
Can use fresh green beans; blanch them for three minutes before use.
Cool and store leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
