Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Who doesn’t really love a big, warm serving of green bean casserole? It’s the perfect side dish that brings all the cozy deliciousness to the table.
With crunchy ingredients and a creamy base, it’s just the right balance of comfort and flavor. Are you ready to make this mouthwatering dish? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans (or 2 cans of drained, cut green beans)
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (the classic choice!)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk gives the best creamy texture, trust me)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup fried crispy onions (yes, the ones in the can, don’t skip these!)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or more if you love garlic!)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt (just a pinch to season it right)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep your green beans
If you’re using fresh green beans, snap off the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Put them into a large pot of boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, just until they’re tender but still a little crisp. If you’re using canned beans, skip this step and move on!
Step 2: Drain and set aside
After your beans are done, drain them well. No soggy beans here, please! Once drained, set them aside while you prep the rest of the casserole goodness.
Step 3: Make the creamy base
In a medium-sized bowl, combine your cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until smooth and creamy. This is the part that makes everything come together—creamy and dreamy, like a hug in a casserole dish.
Step 4: Sauté the onions
Grab a skillet and heat a little oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and cook them until they’re soft and slightly golden.
You want them to add some nice flavor to the casserole. And, it makes your kitchen smell so good.
Step 5: Mix everything together
Now, take your cooked green beans, put the creamy mixture over them, and stir in those sautéed onions.
If you’re using cheese, now’s the time to sprinkle that in, too. Mix it all together so every bite is coated in creamy goodness.
Step 6: Time to bake
Transfer your mixture into a baking dish (about 9×13 works best). Top it with the crispy fried onions, don’t skimp here, we want that crunchy, golden top!
Put the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy!
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes (you don’t want to burn your tongue on all that deliciousness).
Scoop it onto plates, serve with a few extra fried onions if you want to, and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Casserole
- Soggy Beans: No one likes soggy beans, so if you’re using fresh beans, make sure to cook them just enough to keep a little bite. Don’t overdo it!
- Overmixing the Creamy Base: You want that smooth texture, but don’t go crazy with stirring! A gentle mix is all it needs to stay perfect.
- Forgetting the Fried Onions: Seriously, don’t forget the crispy onions on top! They’re the star of the dish and give it that perfect crunch.
- Using Low-Fat Milk: We all love a lighter version sometimes, but trust me, whole milk is what makes this casserole extra creamy and dreamy.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt or pepper. Taste it and adjust to your liking.
Best Tips for Green Bean Casserole
⑴ Swap for Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh green beans instead of canned ones for a crispier texture, and sauté your onions for extra flavor. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
⑵ Go Heavy on the Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, add more shredded cheddar into the casserole or on top for an extra cheesy bite.
⑶ Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it the day before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just put it in the oven for a little longer since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
⑷ Spice It Up: Want a bit of kick? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give it some heat. It adds a fun twist without overpowering the dish.
⑸ Make it Crispy: If you love that extra crunch, add a layer of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs between the green beans and the fried onions. It’s a game-changer!
Serving Suggestions
Green bean casserole is a total star on its own, but if you want to really impress your guests (or your family), here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:
- Roast Turkey or Chicken: Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish, but it goes with so many meats. Serve it with roast turkey or crispy chicken for the perfect dinner.
- Mashed Potatoes: Nothing says comfort like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole together. It’s the ultimate combo!
- Dinner Rolls: Grab some soft, warm dinner rolls to sop up all that creamy goodness. You’ll want to scoop up every last bit.
- Cranberry Sauce: A little tartness from cranberry sauce balances out the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Storage and Freezing
① Storage
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
The casserole will keep its creamy goodness, though the fried onions might lose some crunch.
② Freezing
Green bean casserole freezes pretty well. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
To freeze, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with foil. It’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, bake it from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using. Frozen green beans are convenient and work perfectly in this casserole.
Q: Can I skip the cream of mushroom soup?
A: Sure, if you’re not a fan of the classic choice, you can swap it with cream of chicken soup or make your own creamy base using heavy cream and a little flour.
Q: How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: This recipe is already vegetarian! Just double-check that your fried onions are free from any animal-based ingredients (sometimes they can contain beef flavoring, so always check the label).
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply swap the fried onions for a gluten-free version, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are lots of options in the store these days!
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Totally! If you’re feeling adventurous, add some sautéed mushrooms or even baby carrots. Just make sure they’re cooked before adding them to the casserole.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, this casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake as instructed.
Q: Can I add cheese to the casserole?
A: Of course! Add shredded cheddar or even Parmesan to the casserole for a cheesy twist. You can sprinkle some on top before baking for an extra layer of yum.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a classic, crowd-pleasing Green Bean Casserole that’s creamy, crunchy, and downright delicious.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or just a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is sure to be delicious.
Don’t forget to share your version in the comments, I can’t wait to hear how it turned out!
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Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans or 2 cans of drained, cut green beans
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup the classic choice!
- 1/2 cup milk whole milk gives the best creamy texture, trust me
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 cup fried crispy onions yes, the ones in the can, don’t skip these!
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder or more if you love garlic!
- 1/2 tsp pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp salt just a pinch to season it right
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, but highly recommended
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep your green beans
- If you’re using fresh green beans, snap off the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Put them into a large pot of boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, just until they’re tender but still a little crisp. If you’re using canned beans, skip this step and move on!
Step 2: Drain and set aside
- After your beans are done, drain them well. No soggy beans here, please! Once drained, set them aside while you prep the rest of the casserole goodness.
Step 3: Make the creamy base
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine your cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until smooth and creamy. This is the part that makes everything come together—creamy and dreamy, like a hug in a casserole dish.
Step 4: Sauté the onions
- Grab a skillet and heat a little oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and cook them until they’re soft and slightly golden.
- You want them to add some nice flavor to the casserole. And, it makes your kitchen smell so good.
Step 5: Mix everything together
- Now, take your cooked green beans, put the creamy mixture over them, and stir in those sautéed onions.
- If you’re using cheese, now’s the time to sprinkle that in, too. Mix it all together so every bite is coated in creamy goodness.
Step 6: Time to bake
- Transfer your mixture into a baking dish (about 9x13 works best). Top it with the crispy fried onions, don’t skimp here, we want that crunchy, golden top!
- Put the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy!
- Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes (you don’t want to burn your tongue on all that deliciousness).
- Scoop it onto plates, serve with a few extra fried onions if you want to, and enjoy!
Notes
- Add more cheese for a cheesy twist!
- Perfect for make-ahead meals.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
