This green bean casserole is a comforting dish with fresh green beans, creamy soup, and crunchy onion topping. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Honestly, who can resist that crispy onion layer? I like to sneak in extra beans when no one’s looking! It’s easy to whip up, and everyone loves it—what’s not to like?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans are my favorite for this recipe because they keep their crunch. If you’re in a hurry, you can use canned green beans—just make sure to drain them well. Frozen green beans can also work; just thaw them before adding.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This ingredient gives the casserole its creamy base. If you want a healthier option, you can use a homemade mushroom sauce or cream of chicken soup. For a vegan version, look for plant-based cream soups in the store!
French Fried Onions: These add a great crunch on top! If you want to make it healthier, you could sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil, or even bake thinly sliced onions until crispy for a fresher take.
Cheese (Optional): Cheese adds richness, but you can skip it if you want a lighter dish. If you’re dairy-free, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
How Do You Perfectly Blanch Green Beans?
Blanching green beans is key to keeping them crunchy and bright green. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Quickly transfer them to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process.
- Drain and pat dry before adding them to your casserole mixture.
This technique preserves the beans’ color and keeps them crisp in the finished dish. I always recommend not overcooking them during blanching! It makes a big difference.
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds 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
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for umami depth)
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious green bean casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-40 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need around 45-55 minutes in total to have this classic dish ready to serve. Perfect for a quick family meal or holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready when you’re ready to bake your casserole.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch them for about 5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. After that, drain and set them aside. If you prefer using canned green beans, just drain them well and set them aside.
3. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and soy sauce (if you’re using it). Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the prepared green beans to the bowl and mix well. Then, fold in half of the French fried onions for that extra crunch. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it in at this stage and mix it all together.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Next, pour the green bean mixture into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so everything cooks properly.
6. Bake it Up:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbling. The aroma will be incredible!
7. Add Crunchy Onions:
After 25 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top.
8. Finish Baking:
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, letting the onions become golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, take your casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it hot alongside your favorite main dishes. Enjoy your creamy, crunchy green bean casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen green beans! Just be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before mixing them into the casserole. This will help maintain the casserole’s creamy texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake it as directed, adding an extra few minutes to account for the chill.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade thick white sauce with sautéed mushrooms for a similar creamy texture. Just season it to taste!
