Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Few dishes capture the essence of holiday gatherings and family dinners like the classic Green Bean Casserole. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday family dinner, this savory, creamy, and crunchy side dish has been a favorite for generations. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to make. Follow along for the ultimate green bean casserole recipe, complete with tips and variations to make it your own.

What is Green Bean Casserole?

Green bean casserole is a popular American side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. Created in the 1950s by Campbell’s Soup Company, this dish has since become a holiday staple. The creamy mushroom sauce mixed with tender green beans and the crunchy fried onion topping creates a combination of textures and flavors that people love.

Ingredients List for Classic Green Bean Casserole

This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients, making it both budget-friendly and quick to prepare. The following recipe serves 6-8 people:

• 4 cups fresh green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces) or 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional for added depth of flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (divided)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy variation)

These ingredients come together to create the creamy, crunchy texture that makes green bean casserole a family favorite.

Ingredients List for a Homemade Variation

If you prefer to make a more wholesome version of this dish, using fresh ingredients instead of canned soup, here’s a variation with homemade sauce:

• 4 cups fresh green beans (trimmed and cut)
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions
• Salt, to taste

This homemade version brings a richer, more natural flavor while still keeping the comforting essence of the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Green bean casserole is versatile, allowing you to make a few tweaks to suit your dietary preferences or taste. Here are some variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. If making the sauce from scratch, substitute the flour with gluten-free flour.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace the milk with a plant-based alternative (such as almond or oat milk) and ensure the fried onions are dairy-free.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a richer, cheesier flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan cream of mushroom soup, plant-based milk, and fried onions. You can also substitute the butter in the homemade sauce with olive oil or vegan butter.
• Extra Crunchy Topping: Add panko breadcrumbs to the onion topping for an extra-crispy finish.
• Bacon Lovers: Mix ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon into the casserole for a smoky twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get into the kitchen and prepare this classic green bean casserole step by step. Follow these simple instructions for a dish that will impress your family and friends.

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

2. Prepare the green beans

If using fresh green beans, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then blanch the green beans for 4-5 minutes, until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Drain them and set aside. If you’re using canned green beans, simply drain them and set aside.

3. Make the sauce

In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. If you want to add a cheesy element, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at this point.

4. Combine the casserole ingredients

Fold the blanched or canned green beans into the mushroom sauce, making sure they are evenly coated. Stir in ½ cup of crispy fried onions for added crunch inside the casserole.

5. Assemble the casserole

Pour the green bean mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

6. Bake the casserole

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.

7. Add the topping

After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top. If you’re using cheese, this is also the time to sprinkle some more shredded cheese over the onions.

8. Final bake

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.

9. Serve and enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, making it the perfect creamy side dish for any meal.

How to Cook Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the green beans: Start by blanching fresh green beans or draining canned beans.
2. Mix the sauce: Combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings for a creamy base.
3. Layer the casserole: Mix the green beans with the sauce and top with crispy fried onions.
4. Bake to golden perfection: Bake until bubbly and top with more fried onions for the signature crispy finish.
5. Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the green beans: If you’re blanching fresh green beans, be sure not to overcook them. You want them to remain slightly crisp, as they’ll cook more in the oven.
• Soggy onions: Don’t add all the crispy onions at the beginning. If they bake for too long, they can become soggy. Always reserve half for the final topping.
• Under-seasoning the beans: Make sure to season the green beans with salt before mixing them with the sauce, especially if you’re using fresh beans.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
• Serve in a decorative dish: Use a colorful or festive casserole dish to make the presentation more appealing, especially for holiday gatherings.
• Portion into ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins for each guest.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is best served hot, straight out of the oven. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, especially turkey, chicken, or beef, and complements other classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. It’s also great as a side for weeknight dinners, alongside grilled chicken or pork chops.

Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Casserole

• Rustic cast iron skillet: For a rustic touch, bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet, which also helps keep the dish warm longer.
• Layered casserole dish: Use a clear glass baking dish to show off the layers of green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onions.
• Individual servings: If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge (without the onion topping). When ready to serve, simply bake, add the topping, and finish baking.
• Crispy onions: For extra-crispy onions, you can toast the fried onions in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
• Homemade sauce: If you’re making the sauce from scratch, be sure to whisk the flour into the butter thoroughly to avoid any lumps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble everything except the final topping of crispy onions. Cover and refrigerate, then bake and add the onions just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze green bean casserole?
A: While you can freeze green bean casserole, the texture of the green beans and fried onions might change. It’s best to freeze the casserole without the onion topping and add fresh onions when reheating.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen green beans and drain them before using. You don’t need to blanch them since they’ve already been partially cooked.

Conclusion

There you have it—a foolproof recipe for Classic Green Bean Casserole that’s perfect for any family dinner or holiday feast. Whether you choose the traditional recipe or try a homemade variation, this dish is sure to become a staple at your table. With its creamy, savory filling and crunchy onion topping, green bean casserole offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite variations, and serve it up with a side of love!

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