This green bean casserole is a warm and hearty dish made with fresh green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crunchy fried onions. It’s super easy to make and perfect for family gatherings!
Honestly, who can resist that crispy onion topping? It’s my favorite part! I love serving this during holidays, and it always gets rave reviews. Plus, it smells amazing while baking!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans bring a nice crunch and flavor. If they’re not available, canned green beans work just fine, but I prefer using fresh for a brighter taste. You can also use frozen green beans; just thaw and drain them first.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This gives the base its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make your own with sautéed mushrooms, milk, and a bit of flour. For a different flavor, try cream of chicken or even a vegetable soup!
Fried Onions: The classic crunchy topping! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could make your own crispy onions by frying thinly sliced onions in a bit of oil. Or, for a healthier alternative, use breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of seasoning.
How Do You Keep the Casserole from Being Soggy?
A common challenge is keeping the casserole from being too watery. Here are some tips:
- If using fresh green beans, blanch them quickly and make sure to drain them well. This prevents excess moisture from being released.
- Don’t skip the step of mixing the soup and milk thoroughly! This helps everything blend just right.
- When adding the fried onions, they should only be put on top in the last baking stage to keep them crispy.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows it to set up and will help prevent any excess liquid from remaining on your plate. Enjoy!
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (or 2 cans green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- For the Topping:
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (divided)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious green bean casserole takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 35 minutes in the oven. You’ll spend about 15 minutes cooking the green beans and mixing everything together, then another 20 minutes baking. Perfect for a cozy family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for even baking!
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them in a pot of boiling salted water for about 5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. This helps keep them vibrant and crunchy! Then, drain them and set aside. If you prefer canned beans, simply drain them and set aside for later.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt (if using), and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. This creamy mixture is what binds all the ingredients together!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Next, add your green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions to the soup mixture. Mix them together until the green beans are nicely coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling.
6. Add the Crispy Onions:
After 25 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top. This will give the casserole its delicious crispy topping!
7. Final Bake:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
8. Let it Cool:
Once done, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set a bit and makes it easier to scoop!
Now you’re ready to enjoy your warm, creamy green bean casserole topped with that irresistible crunchy onion goodness! Perfect as a side dish or even as a main delight. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen green beans before using them in the casserole. This prevents excess water from making the dish soggy.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance! Simply follow the recipe up until the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option, stirring occasionally.
Can I Use a Different Soup?
Definitely! While cream of mushroom is traditional, you can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade cream sauce for a different flair. Just make sure it’s creamy to keep the consistency right!
