Green bean casserole is a timeless dish that has earned its place at countless holiday tables, from Thanksgiving dinners to Christmas feasts. It’s a classic American comfort food that combines tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or just a weeknight meal, is the perfect side dish to complement your main course. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s no wonder this recipe has been passed down through generations.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a delicious green bean casserole from scratch, offer helpful tips, and share some variations to keep your dish exciting and fresh. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole
This recipe requires simple ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Green Beans (or frozen): Fresh green beans are the foundation of this dish. You can also use frozen green beans for convenience if you’re short on time.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This iconic canned ingredient makes up the base of the casserole, providing richness and creaminess.
- Milk: Adding milk to the soup creates a smooth and velvety texture.
- Soy Sauce: A little bit of soy sauce enhances the umami flavor of the casserole and complements the green beans perfectly.
- Garlic Powder: For an added savory flavor that boosts the overall taste of the casserole.
- Crispy Fried Onions: These crunchy onions are what make green bean casserole so irresistible. They add texture and an extra savory layer to every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Green Bean Casserole
Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious green bean casserole at home:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and is hot when it’s time to serve.
2. Prepare the Green Beans
If you’re using fresh green beans, rinse them under cold water and trim the ends. Cut the beans into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Once the beans are ready, blanch them by placing them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes. Once tender but still crisp, drain and set them aside.
If you’re using frozen green beans, simply thaw them out and drain the excess water before adding them to your casserole mixture.
3. Make the Creamy Soup Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed and smooth. The mixture should be creamy and slightly runny, allowing it to coat the green beans well.
4. Combine the Green Beans with the Soup Mixture
Add your prepared green beans to the bowl with the creamy soup mixture. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly with the sauce. Be sure all the beans are well coated, as this will help create a rich and flavorful casserole.
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish
Pour the green bean and soup mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly to ensure even cooking and a golden, crispy top.
6. Top with Fried Onions
Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole. These will add a delicious crunch and savory flavor to the final dish.
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly. The casserole should be mostly cooked through at this point.
8. Add More Fried Onions
Take the casserole out of the oven, and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The crispy onions and creamy green beans make a perfect side dish that pairs well with almost any main course.
Why You’ll Love Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole has a unique blend of flavors and textures that make it a crowd favorite. Here’s why it’s so loved:
- Creamy and Crunchy: The contrast between the smooth, creamy soup mixture and the crispy fried onions creates a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires very few ingredients and can be made with ease, even by beginner cooks.
- Versatile: Green bean casserole is a side dish that can complement almost any main dish, from roasted chicken to ham and turkey. It’s perfect for holiday meals, but also great for any time of year.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The dish is a classic that people of all ages love. It’s hearty enough to fill up your guests without overwhelming the meal.
Helpful Tips for Making the Best Green Bean Casserole
- Use Fresh Green Beans: While frozen green beans are convenient, fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor. They have a firmer bite and a fresher taste that makes the dish taste even better.
- Customize Your Flavor: You can easily adjust the flavor of your casserole by adding herbs or spices. Try a pinch of thyme, rosemary, or crushed red pepper flakes to enhance the dish.
- Make Ahead: Green bean casserole can be made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole the day before, but don’t bake it until you’re ready to serve. Just cover it with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it according to the instructions.
- Add Cheese: For an extra indulgent version, consider adding shredded cheese to the casserole before baking. A little cheddar or Parmesan adds a rich, savory touch.
Variations of Green Bean Casserole
While the classic green bean casserole is hard to beat, there are several delicious variations you can try:
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the casserole mixture for a cheesy twist. This variation adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Add cooked bacon crumbles to the casserole mixture for a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy green beans.
- Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup and substitute the fried onions with homemade vegan crispy onions for a healthier, dairy-free version.
- Spicy Green Bean Casserole: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the soup mixture to give the casserole a spicy kick.
Pairing Green Bean Casserole with Main Dishes
Green bean casserole makes an excellent side dish for any of your favorite meals. Here are some ideas for main dishes that pair perfectly with this comforting casserole:
- Roast Chicken: The savory, herbed flavor of roast chicken is a great match for the creamy and crunchy texture of this recipe.
- Holiday Ham: If you’re preparing for a holiday feast, green bean casserole pairs perfectly with a sweet and savory ham.
- Grilled Steaks: Pair your casserole with juicy grilled steaks for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Roasted Turkey: For Thanksgiving or Christmas, green bean casserole is an essential side dish to accompany roasted turkey.
Conclusion
is a comforting and delicious dish that will enhance any meal. It’s simple to make, requires only a few ingredients, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, this casserole will be the star of the table. So, gather your ingredients and try this classic recipe today—it’s sure to become a family favorite!