Best Southern Green Bean Casserole: Glorious Thanksgiving Recipe

Introduction

Green bean casserole is a beloved Southern side dish that brings creamy, savory flavors to your holiday table. This classic dish combines tender green beans with a rich mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions for a perfect balance of textures. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (6 ounces) French-fried onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the green beans until they are tender-crisp, then drain well.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked green beans to the soup mixture and stir gently to combine.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20 minutes, until the mixture is hot and bubbling.
7. Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and crisp.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try substituting cream of celery soup for the cream of mushroom soup.
• If you prefer, use a homemade cream of mushroom soup for a fresher taste.
• To prepare ahead, assemble the casserole without the fried onions and refrigerate. Add the onions just before baking and increase baking time slightly.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy onion topping, or in the microwave for convenience but expect softer onions.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen green beans. Thaw and drain them well before mixing with the soup to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

What if I don’t have French-fried onions?

You can substitute crispy fried shallots or breadcrumbs toasted with a little butter for a similar crunchy topping.

Best Southern Green Bean Casserole: Glorious Thanksgiving Recipe

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This Best Southern Green Bean Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that features tender-crisp green beans baked in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy French-fried onions. Its rich, savory flavors and delightful textures make it a festive and comforting addition to any holiday meal.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed

Creamy Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

• 1 can (6 ounces) French-fried onions

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Cook Green Beans: Boil or steam the green beans until they are tender-crisp. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly to remove excess water which could make the casserole watery.
3. Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir well to create a smooth and flavorful sauce base.
4. Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Add the cooked green beans to the sauce mixture and gently stir until the beans are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the green bean mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
6. Bake First Phase: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
7. Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly over the top to add a crunchy texture.
8. Bake Final Phase: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, consider using cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom soup.
• If you prefer, make your own homemade cream of mushroom soup to enhance the freshness and taste.
• To prepare ahead, assemble the casserole without the fried onions and refrigerate. Add fried onions just before baking, and increase the baking time by a few minutes to ensure thorough heating.

Keywords: green bean casserole, southern green bean casserole, thanksgiving side dish, creamy green beans, mushroom soup casserole, french-fried onions, holiday recipes, classic casserole