Craft a classic Green Bean Casserole with ease, a beloved American dish celebrated for its creamy texture and savory taste. Using basic pantry staples like green beans, mushroom soup, crispy fried onions, cheese, and a pinch of seasoning, you can create this one-dish wonder in no time.
Ideal for holiday gatherings, this casserole pairs splendidly with your main meat dishes and complements the likes of mac 'n' cheese or fresh salads. Its fuss-free preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a go-to for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or any family meal.
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Embrace the simple charm of Green Bean Casserole, a versatile dish that's as fitting for a festive table as it is for a cozy weeknight dinner. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
You'll find all the simple ingredients for Green Bean Casserole at your nearest grocery store. Let's check out what you'll need.
- Green Beans: Go for canned to save time, or use fresh or frozen to suit your preference—just remember to thaw and drain well.
- Cream of Mushroom: This soup enriches the casserole with creaminess and helps meld the ingredients.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a hint of umami and depth to the flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: They bring a natural sweetness, but feel free to substitute with sautéed or fried onions for different tastes.
- Fried Onions: French-fried onions are traditional, but for a twist, try breadcrumbs or crackers for crunch.
- Cheese: For cheese lovers, mix in some cheddar or Parmesan into the casserole for a gooey delight. It's optional otherwise.
- Milk: Helps to thin the soup for the right consistency.
- Seasonings: Keep it simple with salt and pepper, but watch the salt due to the other ingredients' sodium content.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole at Home?
Let's start cooking our Green Bean Casserole recipe. With step-by-step photos and a detailed video below, you'll have all the guidance you need to make this beloved side dish come to life.
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Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups Green Beans, canned, freshly cooked, or frozen
- 1½ cup Cream of Mushroom Soup
- ¼ cup Caramelized Onion, or fried onion
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- ½ cup Milk
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tsp Black Pepper, powder
Toppings
- ¼ cup Cheddar Cheese (mild or sharp), adjust to your preference
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, adjust to your preference
- ½ cup French Fried Onions
Instructions
To make Green Bean Casserole
- Start by mixing green beans, cream of mushroom soup, caramelized onions, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and a dash of salt in a bowl. Remember to go easy on salt with canned ingredients.
- Gently mix all these elements until they are well combined
- Next, transfer this delectable mixture into a shallow baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top—adjust the amount to suit your cheesy desires. I've used a modest ¼ cup of each cheese as a topping.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns.
- Remove the Green Bean Casserole from the oven. Top it off with French fried onions, to add that extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Bake it for another 5-7 minutes until onions are golden.
- Take it out, let it cool slightly, and your Green Bean Casserole is ready to enjoy!
To Serve
- Serve this cozy Green Bean Casserole alongside your favorite entrees like baked turkey, whole-roasted chicken, creamy potatoes, roasted veggies for a complete and satisfying meal, or any other dishes that tickle your palate.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Using Fresh Green Beans: Trim the ends and blanch or parboil the beans until tender-crisp. Cool them off, and use these vibrant, fresh beans to enhance your casserole with a burst of freshness.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup Alternative: Sauté onions and mushrooms, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ¼ cup of chicken broth and simmer until thick. Use this rich, homemade version as a direct substitute in your casserole.
- Flavor Boost: Elevate your dish with extras like sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, or a crunchy layer of almonds, breadcrumbs, or crackers.
- Make-Ahead: If you want, prepare your Green Bean Casserole up to 2 days early, refrigerate, then add cheese before baking and crispy onions post-baking for the perfect finish.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer: We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftover Green Bean Casserole in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave and sprinkle with crispy onions for freshness and crunch before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:
- Roast Turkey or Chicken: Green Bean Casserole is a popular side dish for Thanksgiving, so it goes wonderfully with roast turkey, roast chicken, or oven-baked chicken breast
- Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or baked potatoes complement the creamy texture of this casserole
- Gravy: A rich sauce drizzled over this casserole can tie the whole meal together, especially when served with roasted or baked meats
- Ham: Baked ham is a great choice if you're looking for a non-poultry option. The saltiness of the ham complements the casserole's flavor nicely
- Prime Rib: For a more elegant dinner, prime rib is a luxurious option that pairs well with the casserole
- Salad: Balance the meal with a fresh salad, such as a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing, Caesar salad, or classic coleslaw
- Rolls or Bread: Serve some warm dinner rolls, breadsticks, or a baguette to mop up the delicious sauce from the casserole
- Roasted Vegetables: To keep the meal lighter, consider serving roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus alongside the casserole
- Sweet Potatoes Dishes: Sweet potato dishes, whether mashed, roasted, or in casserole form, complement the flavors of green bean casserole nicely
- Macaroni and Cheese: Macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that pairs well with the casserole
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