Green bean casserole is a classic dish that has been a staple on holiday tables for decades. Its creamy texture, savory flavor, and crispy topping make it a favorite side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other family gatherings. But did you know that this dish is also perfect for casual dinners and weeknight meals? Green bean casserole can be made with simple ingredients, and it’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this casserole recipe is sure to impress your family and guests. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this comforting dish, plus everything you need to know about its variations, serving suggestions, and storage options.
What is Green Bean Casserole?
Green bean casserole is a savory side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and crispy fried onions. The casserole is baked until it is hot and bubbly, with a golden, crunchy onion topping. It’s a dish that combines a variety of textures and flavors—smooth and creamy from the soup and beans, with a delightful crunch from the fried onions. The casserole is simple, yet the flavors meld together to create a rich and satisfying side dish. Green bean casserole has become a holiday tradition in many American households, often appearing alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, and other holiday favorites.
While green bean casserole is often associated with the holidays, it’s also a versatile dish that can be made year-round for any occasion. It’s a great addition to family dinners, potlucks, and even weeknight meals. The beauty of this casserole is that it’s easy to make and customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole
Classic Comfort Food
Green bean casserole has been a beloved comfort food for generations. The creamy sauce and crispy onion topping create a delicious combination that’s perfect for cozy dinners and holiday feasts alike.
Simple to Make
With just a few simple ingredients—green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and fried onions—you can whip up a tasty dish that’s sure to please. No complicated steps or long cooking times, just quick and easy preparation.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas celebration, or a casual weeknight meal, green bean casserole is a versatile dish that works for any occasion. It’s an easy way to elevate your meal and impress your guests.
Customizable
Green bean casserole is highly customizable. You can swap out ingredients or add extras like cheese, bacon, or fresh herbs to make it your own. You can even make a healthier version by using low-fat soup and skipping the fried onions.
Ingredient Notes for Green Bean Casserole
Cuisine
This dish is a classic American recipe that has become a holiday staple in many households. It’s typically served as a side dish to complement main courses like turkey, roast chicken, or ham.
Difficulty
Making green bean casserole is simple and beginner-friendly. The dish only requires basic cooking techniques, such as mixing, baking, and heating. Even novice cooks can successfully prepare this dish.
Servings
This recipe yields about 6-8 servings, making it perfect for small to medium-sized gatherings. You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.
Prep Time
The preparation for green bean casserole is quick and easy. It takes about 15 minutes to gather and prepare the ingredients before baking.
Cooking Time
Green bean casserole takes about 30-40 minutes to cook in the oven, allowing enough time for the sauce to bubble and the onion topping to crisp up.
Calories
A typical serving of green bean casserole contains around 175-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used (such as full-fat or low-fat soup and milk).
Detailed Instructions
Green Bean Casserole Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all of your ingredients ready:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of green beans (or 4 cups of fresh, blanched green beans)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, but it adds flavor depth)
- 1 ½ cups fried onion rings (or use 1 medium fresh onion, thinly sliced and fried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the casserole.
Prepare the Green Beans
If you’re using fresh green beans, wash them thoroughly and trim the ends. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Then, drain and set aside. If you’re using canned green beans, simply drain and rinse them.
Mix the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (optional), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Green Beans and Soup Mixture
Add the green beans (fresh or canned) to the soup mixture. Stir to coat the beans evenly with the creamy sauce.
Prepare the Casserole Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter (optional). Then, pour the green bean mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Add the Onion Topping
Sprinkle the fried onion rings evenly on top of the casserole. This adds the crispy topping that gives the dish its signature crunch.
Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it alongside your favorite main dishes and enjoy!
Green Bean Casserole Variations
Green bean casserole is a versatile dish that can be easily customized based on your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture for a cheesy twist.
Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Stir in crumbled cooked bacon for added flavor and texture.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
Herb-Infused Green Bean Casserole: Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture for an herbal touch.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is best served as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or ham. You can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple salad. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for large gatherings and family dinners.
Storage Options
Green bean casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. For longer storage, green bean casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and bake it as usual.
FAQs About Green Bean Casserole
- Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to pop it in the oven. - Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans can be used, but make sure to blanch them first by boiling them for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the casserole. - Can I make a gluten-free version of green bean casserole?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free fried onions and checking the soup label to ensure it’s gluten-free. - How can I make green bean casserole more creamy?
For extra creaminess, you can add sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture. - Can I freeze green bean casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Can I make green bean casserole with other vegetables?
Yes! You can add mushrooms, carrots, or even peas to make the dish even heartier and more colorful.
Green bean casserole is a classic dish that everyone loves. It’s easy to make, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this green bean casserole recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
More Favorite Recipes:
If you love green bean casserole, you might also enjoy these other comforting recipes:
