Creamy green bean casserole served in a baking dish for holiday dinner.

Creamy Green Bean Casserole Perfect for Holiday Side Dishes

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why make this recipe

This casserole is creamy and easy. It cooks fast and fits holiday meals. It uses common ingredients you can find at any store. You can make it ahead and warm it before serving. Many cooks like rich and simple sides like the best ever green bean casserole for holidays, and this recipe keeps things simple and tasty.

introduction

This Creamy Green Bean Casserole Perfect for Holiday Side Dishes is a classic warm side. It has green beans, mushroom soup, sour cream, cheese, and crispy onions. You get a creamy base and a crunchy top. If you want a from-scratch twist for ideas, see green bean casserole from scratch.

how to make Creamy Green Bean Casserole Perfect for Holiday Side Dishes

Preheat your oven and blanch the beans first. Mix the soup, sour cream, cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir the beans into the sauce so they are all coated. Put the mix in a baking dish and bake until hot. Add the fried onions at the end so they stay crunchy. For a familiar, simple version you can compare steps with Campbell’s green bean casserole.

Ingredients :

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 cup mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, drain and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine mushroom soup, sour cream, cheese, salt, and pepper.
  4. Mix in green beans until evenly coated.
  5. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove from oven, top with fried onions, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.

how to serve Creamy Green Bean Casserole Perfect for Holiday Side Dishes

Serve hot from the oven. Put the casserole in the center of the table for sharing. It pairs well with turkey, ham, or roast. Use a large spoon to scoop onto plates. Let it cool a few minutes before serving so the sauce sets.

how to store Creamy Green Bean Casserole Perfect for Holiday Side Dishes

Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover it with a lid or foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. You can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Creamy Green Bean Casserole Perfect for Holiday Side Dishes

  • Blanch the beans so they stay bright and not mushy.
  • Use fresh beans for best texture.
  • Mix sauce well so cheese melts evenly.
  • Add the fried onions at the end to keep them crispy.
  • Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper little by little.

variation (if any)

  • Use green beans from a can if you need a quick version.
  • Swap cheddar for Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor.
  • Add cooked mushrooms or a small chopped onion to the sauce for more texture.
  • Stir in a pinch of garlic powder or nutmeg for extra warmth.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes. Thaw or cook them first. Blanch frozen beans a minute or two to remove extra water.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and keep in the fridge. Bake when you are ready to serve.

Q: How do I keep the onions crispy?
A: Add the fried onions in the last 5 minutes of baking. Or add them just before serving.

Q: Can I use low-fat sour cream?
A: Yes. The dish will be a bit less rich but still tasty.

Q: Do I need to add butter?
A: The butter helps flavor and texture. You can skip it, but the casserole will be less creamy.