Green Bean Casserole: A Classic Holiday Side Dish Recipe

Introduction

Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday favorite that’s both comforting and easy to make. With creamy mushroom soup, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions, this dish always delights at the dinner table. It’s perfect for festive gatherings or any cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 6 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, french style or cut, drained
• 2 cans (10.75 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cans (6 oz each) french fried onions (or homemade version)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup of the french fried onions into the mixture.
4. Step 4: Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top.
7. Step 7: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Add ½ to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the green bean mixture for extra richness.
• You can prepare the casserole up to two days in advance; store in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
• For a savory twist, top with real bacon bits and sliced canned mushrooms during the last few minutes of baking.
• Make your own crispy fried onions by thinly slicing onions, tossing them in flour, and frying until golden.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole and warm it in the oven at 350˚F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Top with extra fried onions after reheating for added crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, fresh green beans can be used. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and cool before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream of mushroom soup?

Absolutely. You can use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using vegetable broth and a plant-based milk thickened with flour or cornstarch.

Green Bean Casserole: A Classic Holiday Side Dish Recipe

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Classic Green Bean Casserole is a beloved holiday side dish featuring tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. Perfect for festive gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole combines simple ingredients and bakes to golden perfection, making it a staple at any holiday meal.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Green Beans

• 6 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, french style or cut, drained

Sauce

• 2 cans (10.75 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk

Toppings

• 3 cans (6 oz each) french fried onions (or homemade version)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature before assembling the casserole.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Add Onions: Stir in 1 cup of the french fried onions into the green bean mixture to incorporate some crispy texture inside the casserole.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture evenly into a prepared baking dish, spreading it out uniformly for even cooking.
5. Bake Initial: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
6. Add Topping: Remove the casserole carefully from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top to create a crunchy topping.
7. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the fried onion topping to golden perfection.
8. Serve: Serve the casserole immediately while hot and bubbly for the best taste and texture.
9. Store Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

• You can add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of cheddar cheese to the green bean mixture for a cheesy twist.
• This dish can be prepared two days in advance, making it convenient for holiday planning.
• For extra flavor, add real bacon bits and sliced canned mushrooms on top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking.

Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, cream of mushroom soup, french fried onions, easy holiday recipe