Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This Green Bean Casserole is an irresistible classic that brings everyone running to the table, whether it’s the holidays or just a cozy Sunday dinner. Imagine tender green beans wrapped in a luscious, creamy sauce, topped with a crown of crunchy fried onions—it’s the joyful comfort food you can never make just once. Each bite is a harmony of tastes and textures that make this crowd-pleaser a must for your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Green Bean Casserole is all about simple, familiar ingredients that each bring something special to the dish. Every component matters—bringing creaminess, savoriness, or that crave-worthy crunch on top.

• Frozen cut green beans: The star of the show! Go for frozen for convenience and vibrant color, but see notes if you prefer canned or fresh beans.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Delivers rich, creamy flavor, binding everything together so every forkful is pure comfort.
• Milk: Lightens up the sauce, ensuring it’s velvety rather than too heavy.
• Soy sauce: Just a splash adds deep umami and a subtle hint of saltiness—don’t skip it!
• Black pepper: Gives a gentle bite and rounds out the flavors.
• Seasoned salt: Balances and brightens the casserole, with room to adjust to your taste.
• Crispy fried onions: The ultimate crunchy topping—some mixed in for texture, the rest on top for a golden finish.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Add for an extra creamy, cheesy kick; it blends deliciously into the sauce or as a gooey topping.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This way, it’s perfectly hot and ready for bubbling action by the time your Green Bean Casserole is assembled. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil, which will give your green beans a quick, tender-crisp finish while locking in their brightness.

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

Add your frozen green beans to the boiling water. Blanch them for just 2 to 3 minutes—you’re aiming for vibrantly green, slightly tender beans that will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the beans well to keep your casserole creamy, not watery.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your now-tender green beans with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and seasoned salt. Fold in 1 cup of the crispy fried onions, and add shredded cheddar cheese now if you want a cheesy twist. Mix until everything is creamy and well coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer your green bean mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Spread it out with a spatula so the surface is even and ready to bubble to perfection in the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the casserole (uncovered) into your preheated oven. Let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the edges start to bubble. There’s nothing quite like the smells wafting from the oven at this point!

Step 6: Finish with Onions

Take the casserole out, give it a gentle stir, and lovingly scatter the rest of the crispy fried onions over the top. Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes, just until the onions become golden and extra crisp.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle on a handful of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of black pepper just before serving. That pop of green brings freshness and makes your Green Bean Casserole look irresistibly inviting.

Side Dishes

This casserole is dreamy next to roast turkey, baked ham, or juicy rotisserie chicken. Serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy dinner rolls, or a light, tangy salad to round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Green Bean Casserole in individual ramekins for a festive dinner party touch, or as part of a vibrant holiday buffet where guests can help themselves. For extra fun, layer it in mini mason jars for grab-and-go portions—guaranteed to impress your friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Green Bean Casserole keeps well for up to 2 to 3 days—great for those next-day lunches or midnight snacks.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the casserole, assemble it without the fried onion topping. Wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the crispy onions just before baking for the best texture when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated leftovers, simply cover and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). You can also use the microwave for quick portions—just keep in mind the crispy onions will soften a bit, though the flavor remains fantastic!

FAQs

Can I use fresh or canned green beans instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using canned, drain two (14.5-ounce) cans and skip boiling. For fresh, trim and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes first—both swaps are delicious and totally classic in Green Bean Casserole.

How can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Simply double-check that your cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian (some varieties contain chicken stock). Or, make your own creamy mushroom sauce at home and the Green Bean Casserole will be meat-free and just as tasty.

Do I have to add cheese?

Nope, cheese is optional! It gives the casserole an extra melty, rich flavor, but the traditional recipe is plenty delicious without it. Add it if you like things extra creamy and decadent.

What can I use instead of fried onions?

If crispy fried onions aren’t available, try crushed butter crackers, toasted panko breadcrumbs, or homemade fried shallots for a similarly crunchy, flavorful topping on your Green Bean Casserole.

Can I prepare Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 48 hours in advance, but keep the onions separate until baking. Just bring it to room temperature before baking, and add about 10 more minutes to the cooking time for the perfect result.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made Green Bean Casserole yet, let this be your sign—it’s simple, soul-satisfying, and bound to win hearts at your table. Every bite is a little celebration! Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than any other side.

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