Green Bean Casserole Recipe Easy and Delicious Holiday Favorite
Green Bean Casserole is a staple in holiday feasts across many households, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s simple to make, delicious, and loaded with the creamy texture of green beans mixed with the iconic crunch of fried onions. This dish has won hearts for generations and continues to be a comforting favorite on the holiday table.
For those looking for a more homemade approach, try making it from scratch with a fresh mushroom sauce. You can explore how to prepare a fresh version of this dish here.
Why Green Bean Casserole Remains a Favorite
Originally created in the 1950s by Campbell’s test kitchen, green bean casserole became an instant hit due to its simplicity and affordability. The dish quickly found its place at family gatherings, loved for its rich creaminess paired with crispy onion topping. Whether you’re hosting a large holiday gathering or preparing a weeknight family meal, green bean casserole is versatile and reliable.
For more casserole inspiration, check out our Country Pork Casserole for another hearty, comforting dish.
Key Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole
To make this crowd-pleaser, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Green Beans: Fresh, canned, or frozen. Fresh beans add texture, while canned and frozen save time.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This forms the creamy base of the dish.
- Milk: Provides smoothness and helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds umami flavor to balance the creaminess.
- Crispy Fried Onions: The signature crispy topping that brings texture and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to taste.
For more ideas on using fresh ingredients, take a look at our Traditional Greek Salad for ways to incorporate freshness into your meals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Green Bean Casserole
1. Prepare the Green Beans
- Fresh beans: Trim the ends and blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes. Shock in ice water to stop cooking.
- Canned or frozen beans: Drain or thaw and set aside.
2. Mix the Creamy Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
- Fold the green beans into the mixture.
3. Layer and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the green bean mixture evenly into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half the crispy fried onions on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
4. Final Crisp
- Add the remaining fried onions after the first 25 minutes of baking.
- Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
For another classic baked dish, check out our Classic Pot Roast Recipe to complement your holiday spread.
Popular Variations of Green Bean Casserole
This dish offers a lot of room for customization, allowing you to adjust it to your taste or dietary needs:
1. Classic Baked Green Bean Casserole
- The traditional recipe includes cream of mushroom soup and fried onions, but you can add a twist by incorporating ingredients like cheddar cheese or bacon for added richness.
2. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
- Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk and substitute with vegan cream of mushroom soup. For crispy onions, you can find plant-based alternatives.
3. Gluten-Free Option
- Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free fried onions to ensure the dish meets dietary restrictions.
For more health-conscious alternatives, explore this vegan green bean casserole recipe.
What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with many classic holiday dishes. Here are a few popular pairings:
- Roasted Turkey or Chicken: A natural pairing for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
- Mashed Potatoes: The creaminess of the potatoes complements the crispy, creamy casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up extra sauce.
For lighter options, consider serving it with a fresh side like our Classic Fruit Salad with Honey.
Storing and Reheating Green Bean Casserole
Storing:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months, but it’s best to add the crispy onions after reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Add extra fried onions to maintain crispiness.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
For more tips on reheating casseroles, refer to this guide on reheating casseroles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Bean Casserole
Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add the crispy onions right before baking.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?
Make sure to thoroughly drain canned or frozen green beans, and if using fresh beans, blanch them to remove excess water.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, or you can make a homemade mushroom sauce for a fresher taste.
Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes! Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Green Bean Casserole is a beloved classic for a reason—its comforting combination of textures and flavors makes it a holiday favorite. Whether you choose the traditional route or customize it with variations, this dish will always have a place at the family table.
For more holiday dishes to try, check out our Beef Wellington Recipe for an impressive centerpiece to your holiday feast.