Green Bean Casserole Recipe

If there’s one holiday side dish that absolutely steals the show every time, it has to be this Green Bean Casserole Recipe. With its dreamy, savory layers of creamy mushroom soup, tender green beans, and that finishing touch of golden, crispy fried onions, this crowd-pleaser is pure comfort food served up in a casserole dish! Not only is it incredibly easy to assemble, but it also delivers flavors and nostalgic vibes everyone can agree on—making it the ultimate addition to both festive feasts and cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this Green Bean Casserole Recipe couldn’t be simpler, but don’t let the short list fool you—each one brings a key flavor or plays a big role in the wonderful textures of the finished dish. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why every component matters.

• Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The creamy base and rich mushroom flavor that defines the casserole’s savory goodness.
• Whole milk (¾ cup): Lightens up the soup for a silkier sauce that coats every green bean.
• Soy sauce (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle umami note and brings out the deep flavors of the mushrooms.
• Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A gentle kick that balances all the richness in the dish.
• Green beans, drained (2 cans, 14.5 oz each): The star of the show! Tender, vibrant, and classic—use any style you prefer.
• French’s crispy fried onions (1 ½ cup, divided): These add that essential golden crunch on top and a pop of texture in every bite—don’t skimp!

How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Creamy Base

Start by combining the cream of mushroom soup with whole milk in a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together until perfectly smooth and lump-free. Stir in the soy sauce and black pepper, mixing until all the flavors are fully incorporated. This luscious sauce sets the stage for the entire Green Bean Casserole Recipe, ensuring every bite is packed with savory satisfaction.

Step 2: Add the Green Beans

Once your sauce is ready, it’s time for the green beans to shine. Add both cans of drained green beans right into the bowl with your creamy mixture. Gently stir them in until each bean is thoroughly coated—this ensures that every mouthful bursts with classic flavor and that signature silky texture.

Step 3: Fold in Fried Onions

Next, measure ½ cup of the crispy French’s fried onions and fold them into the green bean mixture. These onions add a sneak preview of crunch and oniony punch in the casserole itself, and help tie all the flavors together. Don’t overmix; just enough so the onions are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the entire green bean mixture into a large, lightly greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Slide it into your preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 30 minutes. This time allows everything to get bubbly, infused, and perfectly hot—building anticipation for that big reveal.

Step 5: The Final Bake

After those 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and give it a quick, gentle stir. Now comes the irresistible part: sprinkle the remaining cup of French’s crispy fried onions generously over the top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes, just until the onions are perfectly golden brown and crunchy. This step ensures every helping of your Green Bean Casserole Recipe gets a crown of crispy, oniony bliss.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra black pepper, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or a little more of those crispy onions are all perfect for finishing your casserole with a flash of color and a touch of freshness. These simple garnishes add eye-catching flair that makes your Green Bean Casserole Recipe feel truly special when it hits the table.

Side Dishes

This classic pairs beautifully with roast turkey, baked ham, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. The creamy richness of Green Bean Casserole Recipe creates the perfect savory counterpoint to lighter and tangier sides, so you can mix and match your holiday plate with confidence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in mini ramekins, or spoon the casserole over rice or buttered noodles for a heartier, comforting meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika or swap out some of the fried onions for a topping of crushed crackers or even crispy bacon bits—no one will complain!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Green Bean Casserole Recipe (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature and cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to three days, ready for easy reheating whenever you crave another cozy bite.

Freezing

To make your holiday prep even easier, assemble the casserole up until the final layer of fried onions (leave them off for now), wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with foil. Pop it in the freezer and it will keep well for up to two weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before finishing and baking according to the original instructions, adding the fried onions right at the end for that signature crunch.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. For microwave reheating, portion onto plates and heat until just warmed through—then sprinkle with a few extra fried onions to revitalize the crunch for second servings that taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen green beans work beautifully in this Green Bean Casserole Recipe—just blanch them quickly in boiling water until tender and bright green before adding to the sauce. This gives the casserole a slightly different, wonderfully crisp texture.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or don’t have the soup on hand, you can swap in cream of chicken soup or even make your own white sauce with sautéed onions, milk, and a bit of flour for thickening. The bechamel-style base will still complement the green beans and onions deliciously.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this Green Bean Casserole Recipe is easy to adapt for gluten-free diets! Just be sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and choose gluten-free crispy fried onions—both readily available in most grocery stores or online.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

It can be! Double-check your cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions for hidden animal products, but most mainstream brands are vegetarian-friendly. If in doubt, pick certified vegetarian versions for a meatless holiday masterpiece.

How can I double the recipe for a big crowd?

This recipe scales up effortlessly! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger casserole dish (or two smaller ones). The baking time may need to be extended by 5–10 minutes to ensure everything is perfectly hot and bubbly in the center.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like sharing a classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe with your loved ones, whether you’re gathered for Thanksgiving or looking to add a bit of comfort to a busy weeknight. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to tradition for years to come—everyone at your table will be asking for seconds!

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