Delicious homemade Ina Garten green bean casserole topped with crispy onions.

Homemade Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

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A simple, classic side for holidays and weeknight meals.

introduction

This is a homemade take on Ina Garten’s green bean casserole. It is creamy and has a crunchy top. For a Thanksgiving twist that follows Ina’s ideas, see Ina Garten green bean casserole for Thanksgiving. This dish is easy and feels like a home-cooked favorite.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe because it is quick and familiar. It uses simple ingredients you likely have. It cooks fast and tastes rich. It is a great side that most people like.

how to make Homemade Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Blanch the green beans first so they stay bright and crisp. Mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce to make the sauce. Toss the beans in the sauce and bake until hot and bubbly. For another simple homemade version to compare, read this homemade green bean casserole guide. Stir in half the fried onions, bake more, then add the rest to get a golden top.

Ingredients :

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup French fried onions
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the blanched green beans to the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven and stir in 1/2 cup of French fried onions.
  7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining French fried onions.
  9. Bake for another 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
  10. Serve warm.

how to serve Homemade Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Serve this casserole hot from the oven. Place it on the table in the baking dish or spoon portions onto plates. It goes well with roast turkey, ham, or baked chicken. Add a simple salad or mashed potatoes for a full meal.

how to store Homemade Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature before storing. Cover tightly and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You can freeze the casserole (without the fried onions on top) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating and add fresh fried onions at the end.

tips to make Homemade Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

  • Do not overcook the beans when blanching; they should stay firm.
  • Use low-sodium soup or adjust salt to taste.
  • Add the onions late for the best crunch. For a richer creamy texture and very crispy topping, see a best-ever extra creamy and crispy version.
  • Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt and pepper.

variation (if any)

  • Add cooked mushrooms or sautéed onions for more flavor.
  • Mix in a little grated cheddar cheese for a cheesier version.
  • Use canned or frozen green beans if fresh are not available; adjust blanching time.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain them well. You can skip blanching if they are already cooked, but check texture before baking.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Add the fried onions and bake before serving.

Q: How do I keep the onions crispy?
A: Add half the onions before the final baking step and add the rest in the last 5 minutes. Do not add all onions before the first bake.

Q: Can I use a different soup?
A: You can use cream of chicken or celery, but the mushroom soup gives the classic flavor.