Delicious green bean casserole served as a Thanksgiving side dish

Pin by Carol Hamlin on food MMMMMM | Green bean casserole recipe, green bean recipes, Thanksgiving side dish recipes

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why make this recipe

Green bean casserole is a simple dish that many people love. It uses easy ingredients and cooks fast. You can make it for weeknights or for a holiday. The dish fills the table with warm, creamy flavors. If you like a very creamy top and crunchy onions, you can try an extra creamy version with crisp onions for the top extra creamy green bean casserole with crispy onions.

introduction

This green bean casserole blends green beans with a creamy sauce and a crisp topping. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned beans. The sauce is mild and the fried onions give a nice crunch. The recipe below is easy to follow and uses common pantry items.

how to make Green bean casserole

Follow simple steps and you will have a warm, creamy casserole ready in under an hour. For a richer style inspired by a famous cook, see an Ina Garten take on this classic Ina Garten green bean casserole. Here is the basic method you can use every time.

Ingredients :

  • 4 cups green beans (trimmed and cut, fresh or frozen)
  • 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (about 1 can)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions :

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. If using fresh beans, boil 5 minutes then drain. If frozen, thaw and drain.
  3. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Add the green beans and half of the fried onions to the bowl. Stir to coat.
  5. Pour the mix into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes until the mixture is hot and bubbling.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining fried onions (and cheese, if using) on top.
  8. Bake 5 more minutes until the onions are golden and the cheese melts.
  9. Let the casserole sit 5 minutes before serving.

how to serve Green bean casserole

Serve warm from the oven. This dish goes well with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken. Spoon it onto plates last so the crispy onions stay on top. You can also serve it in a warm casserole dish so guests can help themselves.

how to store Green bean casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover tightly and place in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15–20 minutes. You can freeze the cooked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

tips to make Green bean casserole

  • Drain beans well so the casserole is not watery.
  • Use low-sodium soup if you watch salt.
  • For a crunchy top, add extra fried onions after baking.
  • Try a cheesy twist for more flavor; a Cheddar Bay style adds a cheesy note and buttery crunch Cheddar Bay green bean casserole.
  • If you want a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk and low-fat soup.

variation (if any)

  • Mushroom lovers: add sliced cooked mushrooms to the mix.
  • Bacon version: add cooked bacon bits for a smoky taste.
  • Gluten-free: use gluten-free fried onions or make a breadcrumb topping with gluten-free crumbs.
  • Vegan: use dairy-free cream soup and plant-based milk, and top with vegan fried onions.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh green beans?
A: Yes. Blanch them for 3–5 minutes, then drain before using.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead?
A: Yes. Mix and place in the baking dish, cover, and keep in the fridge. Bake when ready.

Q: How do I keep the topping crispy?
A: Add most of the fried onions after baking or add them and bake only 5 more minutes so they stay crunchy.

Q: Can I use homemade cream sauce instead of canned soup?
A: Yes. Make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk and use it in place of the canned soup.

Q: Is this recipe good for a crowd?
A: Yes. Double the recipe and use a larger dish for more servings.