If you are looking for a comforting, timeless side dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal, this Green Bean Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. With its creamy mushroom base, tender green beans, and that irresistible crunch of fried onions on top, it’s a dish that effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing classic. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe never fails to deliver that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy textures that everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the creaminess of the mushroom soup to the crispy fried onions that give the dish its iconic finish.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The creamy base that brings rich earthiness and moisture to the casserole.
- Whole milk: Adds silkiness and softens the texture for a luscious, smooth sauce.
- Soy sauce: A splash of umami that deepens the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and balances the creaminess with subtle warmth.
- Cooked cut green beans: The star vegetable, tender yet firm for a perfect bite; fresh or canned can be used.
- Crispy fried onions: Essential for that signature crunch and golden topping that elevates the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Adds richness and a bit of sharpness if you want to make your casserole extra indulgent.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Mix the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This base is what coats the green beans and makes the casserole luscious and flavorful.
Step 2: Combine Green Beans and Onions
Gently fold in the cooked green beans along with three-quarters of the crispy fried onions. If you’re adding cheddar cheese to your casserole, this is the moment to stir it in. Mixing these ingredients evenly ensures that every bite carries that perfect mix of creamy, savory, and crunchy elements.
Step 3: Bake and Let It Bubble
Pour your combined mixture into a 1½-quart casserole dish, spreading it out smoothly for even baking. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling. This step cooks the green beans further and lets all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Final Crunch and Finish Baking
Before finishing, give the casserole a gentle stir to mix everything once more. Then sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top—this will ensure your topping is ultra crispy. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the onions turn a gorgeous golden brown.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the crispy fried onions provide a delightful crunch, a light sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme can add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. For a bit more richness, a small dollop of sour cream on top can be delicious.
Side Dishes
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a holiday table essential. It also complements creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, or even a simple balsamic-glazed ham perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for party guests, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or crumbled bacon. Another idea is layering the casserole with sautéed mushrooms between the beans for an extra depth of earthy flavor that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Green Bean Casserole Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day treat. Just be aware the fried onions topping will lose some of their crunch after refrigeration.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbling, about 20 minutes. To help revive the crispy topping, add a fresh layer of fried onions during reheating. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the casserole’s texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans are fantastic for this Green Bean Casserole Recipe. Just blanch them in boiling water for about 4-5 minutes to soften before adding. They will bring a fresher, crisper texture and bright color that’s delightful.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade mushroom sauce using fresh mushrooms, butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. This will make your casserole taste even more fresh and homemade while keeping the creamy texture intact.
Is the soy sauce necessary?
The soy sauce is the secret little boost of umami that adds depth to the dish. While you can omit it, adding just a teaspoon intensifies the savory profile without tasting like soy sauce, making your casserole even more flavorful.
Can I make the casserole vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping the cream of mushroom soup and milk for dairy-free alternatives and using crispy fried onions that don’t contain dairy, you can easily create a vegan version. Many stores carry vegan cream soups or you can make your own plant-based mushroom sauce.
How long does this Green Bean Casserole Recipe take to prepare?
This dish is wonderfully quick, with just about 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking. That means you can have a comforting, delicious side on your table in less than an hour, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe is truly a treasured classic that brings comfort, crunch, and creamy goodness to any meal. Easy to prepare and loved by all ages, it’s a dish that embodies home-cooked warmth and simple pleasures. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out and make it part of your family’s favorites—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed holiday dinners without it!
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Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish featuring tender green beans mixed with cream of mushroom soup, milk, and crispy fried onions, topped with melted cheddar cheese for an optional rich twist. Perfect for holiday meals or any occasion needing a hearty vegetable casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans (or 2 cans, drained)
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions, divided
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, soy sauce, and black pepper, whisking until smooth and fully blended.
- Add Green Beans and Onions: Stir in the cooked green beans and ¾ cup of the crispy fried onions into the soup mixture. For extra richness, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese if using.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into a 1½-quart casserole dish and spread evenly for uniform cooking.
- First Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling throughout.
- Stir and Top: Remove the casserole from the oven, gently stir the mixture to combine, then evenly sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then serve hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main courses.
Notes
- For a homemade touch, substitute with homemade cream of mushroom sauce and fresh blanched green beans instead of canned ingredients.
- Enhance flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or cooked bacon to the casserole mixture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a holiday favorite.
