Indulge in the creamy, homey goodness of Green Bean Casserole, an American classic crafted with ease from green beans, creamy mushrooms, crispy onions, and melty cheese. Perfect alongside your holiday roast or as a comforting partner to mac 'n' cheese, this one-pot wonder is a festive favorite.
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.
Notes
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.