This green bean casserole is a classic dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious! It combines tender green beans with a rich mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions on top.
Everyone loves this comforting casserole, especially during family meals. I always fight for the last scoop! It’s super easy to whip up and always impresses the guests. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans give a nice crunch and vibrant color. If fresh ones aren’t available, canned green beans work well too. Just make sure to drain them well so the casserole doesn’t get soggy.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This soup is essential for creaminess. If you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian option, you can use cream of chicken soup or homemade mushroom sauce as an alternative.
Milk: Regular milk keeps it creamy, but you can swap it with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Just pick unsweetened varieties to keep the flavor balanced!
French Fried Onions: These add a wonderful crunch! If you can’t find them, you could use crispy breadcrumbs or even fried shallots for a different flavor.
How Do I Get the Green Beans Just Right?
Blanching fresh green beans is a key step to keep them tender while ensuring they don’t get mushy. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Quickly drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
This technique locks in their color and crunch, making your casserole even more delightful!
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Ingredients?
Mixing the cream of mushroom soup with milk and seasoning first ensures every bite is flavorful. Fold in the green beans gently but thoroughly so they’re evenly covered before going into the casserole dish.
When layering, pour the mixture into a greased dish and spread it out evenly. This ensures it bakes uniformly and toppings like the fried onions stay crunchy!
By following these tips, your green bean casserole will be a delicious hit at any table! Enjoy making and sharing it!
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 2 cans green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious green bean casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to have a creamy, crunchy dish ready for your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to make sure the casserole bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Then, drain them well and set aside. If you’re using canned green beans, just drain them thoroughly.
3. Mix the Casserole Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if you’re using it), and black pepper. Add in half of the French fried onions, mixing everything until well combined.
4. Combine with Green Beans:
Add the prepared green beans to the soup mixture and stir gently until all the beans are evenly coated. If you’re a cheese lover, this is the time to fold in the shredded cheddar cheese!
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly.
7. Add the Crunchy Topping:
After 25 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top. This will give your casserole a lovely crunch!
8. Final Bake:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish as a side at holiday dinners or any cozy family meals!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just thaw them in the refrigerator before using them in the recipe. Make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in the oven until heated through. You may want to sprinkle a few extra fried onions on top before reheating for added crunch!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the fried onions right before baking to keep them crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade mushroom sauce using sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and broth for a fresh twist!
