Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish that brings a warm, cozy feeling to any table. Filled with fresh green beans, creamy soup, and topped with crispy onions, it’s super tasty!
This dish is always a hit at family gatherings! I love how easy it is to whip up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Plus, who can resist that crunchy topping? It’s the best part! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans provide the best flavor and texture, but canned green beans work well too. If fresh is out, use frozen beans as they’re easy to prepare and tasty!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base for your sauce. If you prefer, make your own with equal parts of sautéed mushrooms, cream, and broth. You can also use cream of chicken for a change!
Milk: Regular milk is fine, but you can use almond or soy milk for dairy-free options. Just make sure to choose plain varieties without added sugar.
Cheddar Cheese: This is optional, but it adds great creaminess. You can swap it for a dairy-free cheese or leave it out for a lighter version.
French Fried Onions: These provide that crispy topping. If you want a homemade version, try crushed crackers or chips instead!
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Green Beans?
When using fresh green beans, the key is to blanch them before mixing them into the casserole. Blanching keeps them bright green and tender-crisp. Follow these steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Drain them and immediately rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process.
This way, your beans will stay vibrant and crunchy when baked!
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 2 cans (14.5 oz) cut green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (divided)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This classic green bean casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes of baking time. You’ll start by getting your casserole ready in the mixing bowl, then allow it to bake until hot and bubbly with a crispy topping. It’s quick enough to make for any meal, but special enough for holiday occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you put your casserole in. This ensures everything cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for about 5 minutes, then drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. If you’re using canned beans, just open the cans and drain them well.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well-mixed.
4. Combine With Green Beans:
Add the blanched or canned green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions to the sauce mixture. If you like, you can toss in the shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess. Stir everything until it’s evenly coated.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Pour the green bean mixture into a 1.5-quart casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and heated through.
7. Add the Topping:
Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions on top. This is what makes the dish crispy and delicious!
8. Finish Baking:
Put the casserole back in the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s creamy, crunchy, and guaranteed to be a hit at your table!
Enjoy your homemade green bean casserole any time of the year, whether it’s a family gathering or just a delicious side dish for dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen green beans before using them in the casserole. You can either thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in the microwave. There’s no need to blanch them if they’re already cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the condensed cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free cream soup, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For added crunch, consider topping with fresh French fried onions before serving again!
