Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a classic American side dish, especially popular during Thanksgiving. It’s a creamy, savory combination of tender green beans, rich mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions baked to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This dish is easy to make, delicious, and a family favorite during the holidays. The combination of creamy sauce and crunchy topping adds texture and flavor to the tender green beans, making it a perfect companion for roasted meats or other holiday staples.
Key Ingredients:
- Green Beans: Fresh or frozen, lightly blanched for a tender texture.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The base of the creamy sauce, providing rich umami flavor.
- Milk: To thin out the soup and create a smoother sauce.
- Fried Onions: The iconic crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor to the casserole.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional additions like garlic powder or soy sauce for extra flavor.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Blanch the green beans by boiling them for a few minutes, then immediately transferring them to ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk and seasonings.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, combine the green beans with the mushroom sauce, and mix well. Top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
Tips & Tricks:
- Use Fresh or Frozen Beans: Fresh green beans provide a better texture, but frozen beans can also work for convenience.
- Make It From Scratch: If you prefer, you can make a homemade mushroom sauce instead of using canned soup for a more gourmet version.
- Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Parmesan over the top before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Green Bean Casserole pairs well with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. It’s a versatile side dish perfect for any holiday feast.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the fried onions just before baking.
- Can I use canned green beans? Canned beans work in a pinch but may result in a softer texture.
looking for more thanksgiving recipes ideas ?
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- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite
- Scalloped Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole is a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s beloved for its creamy, crunchy goodness. Whether it’s for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green beans trimmed
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup fried onions French-style
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce optional
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the green beans:
- If using fresh green beans, blanch them by boiling for 5 minutes, then draining. If using frozen, thaw and drain.
Prepare the casserole mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and soy sauce (if using). Stir in the cooked green beans and half of the fried onions.
Assemble the casserole:
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. If you like extra flavor, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
Bake:
- Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling.
Add fried onions and finish baking:
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
