Green Bean Casserole – This hearty side dish, known for its creamy texture, crispy topping, and rich flavor, perfectly complements any main course for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting side dish.
Why Green Bean Casserole is a Must-Try
Originally created in the 1950s by Campbell’s Soup, Green Bean Casserole combines simple ingredients like green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. Its appeal lies in its ease of preparation and ability to deliver a rich, satisfying flavor with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole:
- Fresh or canned green beans – The star of the dish.
- Cream of mushroom soup – For the creamy base.
- Milk – To thin out the soup for a smooth consistency.
- Fried onions – Adds a crispy, savory topping.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt elevate the flavors.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Green Bean Casserole
Achieving a perfect Green Bean Casserole requires a few clever tweaks:
- Choose Fresh Over Canned: While canned green beans are convenient, fresh or frozen green beans provide better texture and flavor. Blanch fresh beans to maintain their vibrant green color.
- Homemade Sauce: For a gourmet twist, skip the canned cream of mushroom soup and make your own sauce with sautéed mushrooms, cream, and broth.
- Crispier Onions: Sprinkle fried onions on top only during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to keep them crunchy.
- Add Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole takes the flavor to another level.
Variations to Try
Green Bean Casserole is endlessly versatile. Here are some popular variations:
- Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Mix shredded cheese into the sauce and top with extra cheese before baking.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and crispy onions.
- Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Swap regular cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version, and use almond milk and vegan fried onions.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle heat.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:
- Holiday Main Courses: It’s a classic companion to roast turkey, glazed ham, or beef tenderloin.
- Everyday Meals: Serve it with baked chicken or meatloaf for a hearty family dinner.
- Potluck Star: Green Bean Casserole is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for potlucks and gatherings.
To add visual appeal, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or thyme before serving.
How to Store Green Bean Casserole
Proper storage ensures the casserole retains its flavor and texture:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Green Bean Casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe dish, and add the fried onion topping fresh after reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the onions from burning, then uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the topping.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without the fried onion topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the fried onions just before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or a homemade béchamel sauce with mushrooms.
How do I keep the green beans from getting mushy?
Blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except the fried onions in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add the fried onions during the last 30 minutes.
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole - This hearty side dish, known for its creamy texture, crispy topping, and rich flavor, perfectly complements any main course for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 strips of bacon
Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Bacon: Crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat. Set aside to drain on paper towels, then crumble. Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, cook the onions for 5 minutes until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook another 5 minutes until golden. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Make It Creamy: Mix in the cream of mushroom soup, crumbled bacon, milk, and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese melts. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Fold in the drained green beans until well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer everything to the baking dish. Top with crispy fried onions and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1 gramsAmount Per Serving Calories 187Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 20mgSodium 547mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 8g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Green Bean Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a nostalgic staple that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. With the tips and tricks in this guide, you’re all set to create a dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious.