This green bean casserole is a cozy dish made with fresh green beans, creamy soup, and crispy onion toppings. It’s a classic comfort food that’s loved by many!
I can’t help but smile when I see that golden crunch on top. It’s the perfect side for family dinners, and guess what? It’s super easy to whip up in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans give the best flavor and texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can use frozen green beans; just follow the cooking instructions on the package. I prefer fresh for that satisfying crunch!
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a must for creaminess. If you want a healthier option or prefer a different flavor, you can make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, flour, milk, and broth.
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds richness to the sauce. You can substitute it with half-and-half for a creamier texture or use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if you’re dairy-free—just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety.
Soy Sauce: This adds a nice umami kick. If you’re avoiding soy, try tamari or coconut aminos as good alternatives that provide similar flavors.
Fried Onions: Store-bought crispy onions are a classic topping, but you can make your own by slicing onions thin, coating them in flour, and frying or baking until crispy. If you’re going healthy, consider using panko breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil instead.
Cheddar Cheese: Optional, but it does add extra gooey goodness! I love sharp cheddar for its flavor. For a non-dairy option, try a plant-based cheese or simply skip it!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Green Beans?
The green beans should be tender yet crisp. To achieve this, blanching is the key technique. Here’s how to master it:
- Start by boiling salted water in a large pot.
- Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes; they should remain bright green and slightly crunchy.
- Immediately drain and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and preserves their color and texture.
This technique keeps your green beans vibrant and perfectly cooked for the casserole!
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups fried onions (store-bought crispy onions), divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Green Bean Casserole takes about 10 minutes for prep and 35-40 minutes for baking and cooling. That means you can have this cozy dish ready in just under an hour. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect time to get your oven ready for that bubbly casserole goodness!
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook them for about 5 minutes, just until they are tender-crisp. They should still have a nice bite to them! After cooking, drain the beans and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup, the whole milk, soy sauce (if you’re using it), and black pepper. Stir it all together until well mixed. Now, add the cooked green beans to this creamy mixture and fold them in gently, making sure they are well coated. Add in 2/3 cup of the fried onions, mixing them in for that extra crunch!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now, take your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the green bean mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so every bite is full of flavor.
5. Bake it Up:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is hot and bubbling up—such a wonderful sight!
6. Add the Crunchy Topping:
After 25 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top. This is where all the crispiness comes from! Now, put it back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
7. Cool and Serve:
When it’s done baking, let your casserole cool for a few minutes to set. Then, it’s ready to be served! Dive into the creamy goodness with that delicious crispy topping!
Enjoy this classic, creamy Green Bean Casserole with its delightfully crispy topping! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can! Frozen green beans are convenient and will work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before using and adjust the cooking time if necessary, as they are usually pre-cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make one from scratch. Also, check that your fried onions are labeled gluten-free, or make your own using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and warm at a low temperature until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (steps 1-5) a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
