Green Bean Casserole

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Green Bean Casserole is a timeless dish that transforms simple green beans into a creamy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying casserole that brings people together.

Tired of bland side dishes that just don’t excite the palate? This Green Bean Casserole recipe delivers rich flavor, comforting creaminess, and the perfect crispy topping. From expertly selecting fresh green beans to mastering the creamy sauce and crispy fried onions, this guide covers everything you need to create the perfect casserole for your next meal.

Why This Green Bean Casserole Works

  • Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients
  • Combines fresh green beans with creamy sauce and crispy topping
  • Perfect for quick weeknights or festive weekend dinners

Choosing the Right Green Bean Casserole Ingredients

Best Ingredients for This Recipe:

Fresh green beans provide the best texture and vibrant color, while quality cream and cheese elevate the flavor. Crispy fried onions offer the perfect crunchy finish.

Buying Tips:

Look for firm, bright green beans without blemishes, and fresh onions that are dry and crisp. Choose full-fat dairy for richer sauce.

Substitutions:

Swap fresh green beans with frozen for convenience. Use crispy shallots as an alternative to fried onions.

Ingredients & Prep for Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole Prep Essentials:

Trim and blanch green beans to maintain crisp-tender texture.

Creamy Sauce Ingredients:

  • Butter, flour, milk, cream, garlic powder, and black pepper for a savory béchamel base
  • Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for richness

Pantry Staples:

  • Olive oil or butter for sautéing
  • Salt and pepper for seasoning

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Green Bean Casserole

Pre-Cooking Prep:

Wash and trim fresh green beans; preheat oven to 375°F.

Cooking Method:

  1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes; drain and set aside.
  2. Make the cheese sauce: melt butter, whisk in flour, gradually add milk and cream, cook until thickened, add cheese and spices.
  3. Combine beans and sauce; pour into casserole dish.
  4. Top with fried onions or crispy alternatives.
  5. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Doneness Check:

Green beans should be tender-crisp; sauce creamy and bubbly; topping golden and crunchy.

Resting:

Allow casserole to cool slightly before serving for best texture.

Green Bean Casserole

Pro Tips for Perfect Green Bean Casserole

Avoiding Soggy Casserole:

  • Do not overcook beans; blanch just enough to soften slightly.
  • Bake covered initially to prevent topping burning and retain moisture.

Tool Recommendations:

  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for sauce.
  • Oven-safe casserole dish for even baking.

Storage & Reheating:

Store leftovers in airtight containers; reheat covered at 350°F until warmed, maintaining crisp topping with a final quick broil.

Flavor Variations for Green Bean Casserole

Spicy Twist:

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce.

Keto/Paleo:

Use coconut cream and almond flour-based topping instead of flour and fried onions.

Global Flavors:

  • Italian: Incorporate fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan topping.
  • Asian: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds.
  • French: Finish with Gruyère cheese and fresh thyme.
VariationKey IngredientDietary TagFlavor Profile
Spicy TwistCayenne, smoked paprikaBoldWarm, smoky
Keto/PaleoCoconut cream, almond flourLow-carbRich, creamy
Global FlavorsBasil, soy sauceExoticHerby, savory

Serving Suggestions for Green Bean Casserole

Pair with roasted chicken or turkey and creamy mashed potatoes. Add a crisp green salad for contrast. Complements medium-bodied white wines or sparkling water with lemon.

FAQs for Green Bean Casserolevege

  • Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, adjust blanching time to avoid mushiness.
  • How do I fix dry casserole? Add extra cream or a splash of broth before reheating.
  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Yes, contains no meat products.

Conclusion

Fire up your oven and try this Green Bean Casserole tonight! Join thousands of home cooks who’ve loved this comforting and easy recipe. For more delicious side dishes, try our Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin next!

Print

Green Bean Casserole

Classic Green Bean Casserole with tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions on top. A comforting and easy side dish ideal for holidays and family dinners.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked green beans, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • 2. In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and 2/3 cup of the fried onions.
  • 3. Add cooked green beans; mix well.
  • 4. Pour mixture into a baking dish.
  • 5. Bake for 25 minutes.
  • 6. Top with remaining fried onions and bake an additional 5 minutes until onions are golden brown.
  • 7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen green beans; cook until tender.
  • Add shredded cheddar for a cheesy twist.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: green bean casserole, classic side dish, holiday recipes, easy casserole

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