This Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish that brings together tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy onion toppings. It’s the perfect blend of flavors!
Seriously, who can resist those crunchy onions on top? They add such a fun texture. I love making this for family dinners—it’s always a hit and super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are great for their crunch and flavor. If you’re short on time, canned green beans are a good alternative. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base of the creamy sauce. You can substitute with homemade mushroom sauce or even cream of celery soup if you prefer a different flavor.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich flavor, but you can use 2% milk or even dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk if you’re looking for a lighter option.
French Fried Onions: These provide a crispy topping. If you’re looking for a healthier or gluten-free option, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or roasted nuts for crunch.
Cheddar Cheese: Adding cheese makes the casserole extra creamy and rich. Feel free to skip it if you want a lighter version or use a dairy-free cheese if you have dietary restrictions.
How Do You Get the Green Beans Just Right?
Blanching fresh green beans is key to keeping them tender yet crispy in the casserole. This step enhances their color and flavor. Here’s how:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes until they turn bright green but are still slightly crunchy.
- Quickly drain them and plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them crisp.
- Once cooled, drain again and they’re ready to mix into your casserole!
This simple technique makes a noticeable difference in texture, so don’t skip it!
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 of green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for added umami)
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Green Bean Casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 35-40 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish—perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden brown topping.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them first! Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the green beans. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. Once done, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. If you’re using canned green beans, just make sure to drain them thoroughly to keep your casserole from getting too watery.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and soy sauce (if using). Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the blanched or drained green beans to the soup mixture, along with 2/3 cup of the French fried onions. Gently stir everything together so that the green beans are well coated in that creamy goodness.
5. Pour and Spread:
Transfer the green bean mixture to a 1.5-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks nicely throughout.
6. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
7. Add the Crispy Topping:
Once it’s bubbling, take the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly on top. This will give it that perfect crunch we all love.
8. Final Bake:
Return the casserole to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. (Optional) Cheese It Up:
If you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole before adding the last layer of onions. It adds a delicious richness!
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit, and you won’t burn your mouth right away!
This dish is sure to be a hit, bringing comfort and flavor to your dining table. Enjoy your homemade Green Bean Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen green beans before adding them to the casserole. This prevents excess moisture that could make your casserole soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just be sure to reheat it gently to maintain the texture!
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian as it uses cream of mushroom soup, but ensure any added ingredients like soy sauce are vegetarian-friendly. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.
What Can I Serve with Green Bean Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or grilled chicken. It’s also great as a side for holiday meals! For a complete meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.