This green bean casserole is a cozy dish made with crunchy green beans and a creamy sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. It’s a classic favorite that brings warmth to any meal!
Honestly, who doesn’t love that satisfying crunch on top? It always reminds me of family dinners. I like to serve it next to turkey for the perfect combo of flavors!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans give the best texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, use canned or frozen green beans. Just make sure to drain them well if using canned.
Mushrooms: They add a lovely earthy taste. If you’re not a fan, you can omit them completely or swap with canned mushrooms, which provides similar flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the backbone of the sauce. You can use homemade if you prefer or substitute with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
Milk or Cream: Whole milk makes for a creamy base, but any milk or even plant-based milk can work. If you’re looking for richness, use half-and-half or heavy cream.
Fried Onions: While French fried onions are traditional, homemade crispy onions can add a personal touch. Just slice onions, coat them in flour, and fry until golden.
How Do You Cook Green Beans for Casserole?
Blanching green beans is key to keeping their bright color and crisp-tender bite. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt enhances flavor.
- Once boiling, add the green beans and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes. Aim for bright green and slightly crunchy.
- Immediately drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them vibrant.
- After a few minutes, drain the ice water to prepare them for the casserole.
By following these simple tips and techniques, you’ll have a delicious green bean casserole that’s a hit at any gathering! Enjoy your cooking!
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional for extra flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup whole milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup French fried onions (divided, about 2/3 cup for mixing, 1/3 cup for topping)
Optional:
- 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing mushrooms)
Time Needed:
This casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at approximately 55-60 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delightful dish that’s perfect for family gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly when you put it in.
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed and halved green beans and boil for about 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Once done, drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This step stops the cooking process and helps them keep their bright color.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms (Optional):
If you’re using mushrooms, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This enhances the flavor and adds depth to your dish.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk or cream, soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), and black pepper. If you sautéed mushrooms, add them now along with 2/3 cup of French fried onions and mix everything together until well combined.
5. Combine the Beans and Sauce:
Gently fold the blanched green beans into the sauce mixture until they are fully coated. This is the heart of your casserole!
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, about 1.5 quarts in size, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 25 minutes.
8. Add the Fried Onions:
After the first baking period, take it out and sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top to create that delicious crunchy layer.
9. Finish Baking:
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving, then dig in! This green bean casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your table. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness with that perfect crunchy topping!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole. Blanching is not necessary with frozen beans, as they’re usually blanched before freezing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this green bean casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own. Ensure that the fried onions are also gluten-free, as many brands may contain wheat flour. You can also look for gluten-free breadcrumbs as a topping substitute.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and assemble it up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for individual servings. Add a few extra fried onions on top for that crunchy texture when reheating!
