If you’re searching for a comforting, classic side dish that never fails to bring smiles around the table, look no further than this Green Bean Casserole Recipe. This beloved American favorite strikes the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory, combining tender green beans, rich mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions in one scrumptious casserole. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser that feels just like home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Green Bean Casserole Recipe just right is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to deliver classic flavor and perfect texture. Each component brings something special, from the freshness of green beans to the savory creaminess of mushroom soup and the irresistible crunch on top.
- 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed and halved) or 2 (14.5 oz) cans green beans (drained): Fresh green beans offer a vibrant snap, while canned beans save time with a softer bite.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: This creamy base creates the luscious sauce that holds the casserole together.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds richness and smoothness to the mushroom soup mixture.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A subtle kick that deepens the savory flavors throughout.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Perfect for a gentle, warming spice that balances the creaminess.
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (divided): These give the casserole its signature crunchy, golden topping, essential for texture contrast.
- Salt to taste: To enhance and elevate all the natural flavors.
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer for an extra indulgent twist.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5 to 6 minutes to achieve a tender-crisp texture that’s neither too raw nor mushy. After blanching, drain the beans and rinse them under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This simple sauce is the heart of your Green Bean Casserole Recipe, bringing creaminess and earthy mushroom flavor together in every bite. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and fully blended.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Gently fold the green beans and 1 cup of crispy fried onions into the creamy sauce. If you love a cheesy touch, now is the perfect moment to stir in that optional shredded cheddar cheese. This step ensures every bite is generously coated and ready to bake into comforting perfection.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish. Bake it uncovered for 25 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and heat through. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions over the top to get that coveted golden crunch. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes until the onions are perfectly toasted and the dish is hot throughout.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple finishing touch, consider adding freshly chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of paprika on top for a pop of color. These small details elevate the presentation and invite even more comfort and warmth to your Green Bean Casserole Recipe.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh cranberry sauce for a classic holiday spread. It also complements grilled steak or pork chops beautifully, making it a versatile side for year-round meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the casserole in a charming rustic dish or individual ramekins for portion control and a delightful personal touch. You could also layer it with extra cheese or sprinkle with toasted almonds for a nutty crunch upgrade that’ll wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Green Bean Casserole Recipe, simply cover and refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy again without compromise in flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you need to prepare this casserole ahead of time for a busy schedule, you can assemble it without the final fried onion topping and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add the crispy onions and bake as directed for fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. This gentle heat keeps the creamy sauce intact and preserves the crispy onion topping’s texture far better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans bring a wonderful crispness and bright color to your casserole. Just remember to blanch them before mixing to preserve the perfect texture and flavor, just like in this Green Bean Casserole Recipe.
Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
You can swap out the cream of mushroom soup and milk for dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond milk and a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup version. This keeps the dish creamy without compromising on flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have crispy fried onions?
If you don’t have ready-made fried onions, you can make your own by thinly slicing onions, tossing them in flour and seasoning, then frying until crispy. Alternatively, toasted breadcrumbs can add a nice crunch as a substitute.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! While traditional green bean casserole sticks to the classics, feel free to add mushrooms, diced carrots, or even peas to introduce more textures and flavors that will complement the creamy mushroom base.
How long can I prepare this Green Bean Casserole Recipe in advance?
You can assemble the casserole up to one day ahead and keep it refrigerated before baking. Just hold off on adding the crispy onion topping until you’re ready to pop it in the oven for that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Casserole Recipe truly embraces the spirit of comfort food with its rich, creamy sauce and irresistible crunchy topping. Whether you’re making it for holiday traditions or a simple family dinner, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab those green beans and get ready to create something that’s deliciously timeless and heartwarmingly satisfying.
Print
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic American side dish perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving, this Green Bean Casserole combines tender green beans with creamy mushroom soup, milk, and crispy fried onions for a comforting, flavorful vegetable bake that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or 2 (14.5 oz) cans green beans, drained)
Base Sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Green Beans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Fold the blanched or canned green beans and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions into the soup mixture. If using, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese now for added creaminess and flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish, then pour the green bean mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- First Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Add Final Onion Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup crispy fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Serve Warm: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to enjoy a comforting and classic green bean dish perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Make it ahead by assembling the casserole without the final onion topping and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
- Feel free to make a homemade mushroom sauce instead of using canned soup for a fresher flavor.
- For a cheesier version, add shredded cheddar cheese into the mix before baking.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% or a non-dairy milk for a lighter dish.
- Fresh green beans provide better texture and flavor, but canned green beans work well for convenience.
