Green Bean Casserole is creamy, crunchy, and oh-so comforting! With bright green beans mixed in a creamy soup and topped with crispy fried onions, it’s a family favorite for sure.
Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is super easy to whip up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Who can resist that crunchy topping? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans bring a nice crunch and bright flavor. If fresh isn’t available, canned green beans work just fine. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base of the casserole, adding creaminess. If you want to avoid canned soup, try making a quick homemade version with sautéed mushrooms, flour, and vegetable broth. Cream of chicken soup is also a suitable alternative if you don’t mind the flavor change.
Milk: Any type of milk works here! If you’re dairy-free, try using almond milk or oat milk as a substitute. It’ll still keep the mixture smooth.
Soy Sauce: This adds a touch of umami. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. You can skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
French Fried Onions: These add that crunchy topping we all love. If you want a healthier version, try using toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a crunchy substitute.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Green Beans?
Cooking the green beans just right is key to a great casserole. For fresh beans, blanching is the way to go!
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the trimmed green beans.
- Blanch for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer them to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process.
- Drain well before adding to your casserole mixture.
This method keeps the green beans vibrant and helps retain their nutrients and crispness in the oven. Enjoy your casserole with that perfect texture!
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (divided)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful green bean casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, making for a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for festive occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for your casserole.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, get a pot of water boiling. Blanch the beans for about 5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. This keeps them bright green and prevents them from getting mushy in the baking process. Once done, drain the beans and set them aside.
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a mixing bowl, take the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Whisk these together until you have a smooth mixture. This will be the creamy base for your casserole!
4. Combine with Green Beans:
Next, fold in the prepared green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions into your creamy mixture. Stir gently to combine everything well.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take a baking dish (around 1.5-quart size works well) and pour in your green bean mixture. Spread it out evenly in the dish so it will bake nicely.
6. Bake:
Pop the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and heated through.
7. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Once the casserole is bubbly, take it out of the oven! Now sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions over the top for that crunchy goodness.
8. Final Bake:
Put the casserole back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. You want those onions to be golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s finished baking, let it sit for a few minutes. This helps everything settle. Serve your delicious green bean casserole as a side dish or even as a main dish—everyone is sure to love it!
Enjoy the creamy, savory, and crunchy flavors of this classic green bean casserole at your next gathering or family meal!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen green beans, you can add them straight to the casserole without blanching. Just give them a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure they’re heated through and tender.
How Can I Make This Green Bean Casserole Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the casserole combination in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just wait to add the fried onions until you’re ready to bake for maximum crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, and if you want to revive the crunch, you can add a few more fried onions on top before reheating.
Can I Make a Vegan Version of This Casserole?
Definitely! Use a vegan cream of mushroom soup, plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk), and vegan-friendly fried onions. It will still be delicious and perfect for everyone!
