Green Bean Casserole Recipe – Classic Holiday Favorite

Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish that has graced dinner tables for generations, especially during the holiday season. Known for its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crispy topping, this casserole is a go-to side dish for many. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a comforting family dinner, Green Bean Casserole never disappoints.

In this article, we will dive into the essential components that make this dish a crowd-pleaser. We’ll break down the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and even explore some variations. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to prepare a perfect Green Bean Casserole.

Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole

The beauty of Green Bean Casserole lies in its simplicity. It requires just a handful of ingredients, making it an easy yet flavorful dish to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked green beans (fresh or canned)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 tsp soy sauce

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions, divided

These ingredients combine perfectly to create a rich, creamy base with the perfect amount of crunch on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Green Bean Casserole

Let’s break down the process of making this Green Bean Casserole from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy dish that you can prepare in under an hour!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The preheating step is important to ensure your casserole bakes evenly and cooks properly.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Cooked green beans: If you’re using fresh green beans, make sure they’re tender but still have a bit of texture. If you’re using canned green beans, be sure to drain them well.

• Cream of mushroom soup: This serves as the creamy base for the casserole, giving it that signature velvety texture.

• Milk: The milk helps thin out the soup, ensuring it spreads evenly throughout the green beans.

• Soy sauce: This small amount of soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor to balance the creaminess of the soup.

• Black pepper: A touch of black pepper enhances the overall flavor of the casserole, bringing out the freshness of the green beans.

Stir these ingredients together until well combined. You want the green beans to be evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to make sure the casserole cooks uniformly.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. During this time, the casserole will heat through, and the flavors will begin to meld together.

Step 4: Top with Crispy Fried Onions

After the casserole has baked for 25 minutes, take it out of the oven. Sprinkle ⅔ cup of crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole. These fried onions will provide a delightful crunch and a bit of extra flavor.

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This dish is best served warm, and the crispy onions will add a delightful texture contrast to the creamy green bean mixture.

Green Bean Casserole is the perfect side dish for any holiday meal or family gathering. It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, roast beef, or even a simple roasted chicken. Plus, it’s a great way to get your greens in with a fun twist!

Tips for Perfect Green Bean Casserole

While the basic recipe is simple, here are a few tips to ensure that your Green Bean Casserole comes out perfectly every time:

Use Fresh or Canned Green Beans

Fresh green beans will give the casserole a bit more bite, while canned green beans provide a softer texture. Both options work well, so it’s all about your personal preference. If using fresh green beans, be sure to blanch them first to avoid them being too tough.

Don’t Skip the Soy Sauce

It’s easy to overlook the soy sauce in this recipe, but it plays a vital role in enhancing the umami flavor of the dish. Just a teaspoon can make a big difference in the overall taste.

Customize the Creamy Base

Feel free to experiment with different types of cream soups. While cream of mushroom is the classic choice, you can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a combination of these. This gives you a bit of flexibility depending on your taste preferences.

Add Extra Toppings

For even more texture and flavor, consider adding grated cheese on top of the fried onions. Sharp cheddar cheese or parmesan would be great choices. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder or onion powder to amplify the savory notes.

Make It Ahead of Time

Green Bean Casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it a day or two before your meal, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add the fried onions during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Green Bean Casserole Variations

While the classic Green Bean Casserole is a favorite, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dish. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

To make a vegan version of Green Bean Casserole, simply replace the cream of mushroom soup with a plant-based cream of mushroom soup or make your own using coconut milk or cashews. Also, use vegan fried onions or skip the crispy onions altogether and make a topping from toasted breadcrumbs.

Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole

For a gluten-free Green Bean Casserole, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and check the ingredients of your cream of mushroom soup to ensure it doesn’t contain gluten. There are also gluten-free fried onion options available at most grocery stores.

Bacon Lover’s Green Bean Casserole

If you’re a fan of bacon, add crispy bacon crumbles to your casserole before baking. The smoky, salty flavor will complement the creamy beans perfectly.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

For an extra cheesy twist, mix some shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole before baking, and sprinkle more on top before adding the crispy fried onions. The melted cheese will add richness to the dish.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love Green Bean Casserole, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy, perfect for your next family dinner or holiday gathering:

1. Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole: A savory casserole filled with tater tots, BBQ sauce, bacon, and ranch flavors—perfect for the whole family.

2. Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes: A simple, flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with any meal.

3. One Pan Chicken Noodles: A quick, easy, and comforting dinner option made with chicken and pasta in a single pan.

Nutritional Information for Green Bean Casserole

While Green Bean Casserole is a delicious treat, it’s also a comfort food that’s rich in flavor. Here’s the estimated nutritional information for one serving (based on 8 servings per recipe):

• Calories: 200-250 kcal per serving

• Fat: 12-15 grams

• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams

• Protein: 4-6 grams

• Sodium: 500-600 mg

If you want to make the dish a bit lighter, you can reduce the amount of fried onions and use a lower-fat cream of mushroom soup or a homemade version.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Bean Casserole

1. What are the ingredients to Green Bean Casserole?

The traditional Green Bean Casserole is made with just a few simple pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups of cooked green beans (fresh or canned)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1⅓ cups crispy fried onions, divided

These ingredients combine to create a creamy, savory casserole with a crispy topping that’s hard to resist. You can also add variations like shredded cheese or cooked bacon to take it up a notch.

2. Why do Americans eat Green Bean Casserole?

Green Bean Casserole has become a beloved American tradition, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The dish was originally created in 1955 by a Campbell’s Soup Company employee as a convenient side dish using ingredients most people already had in their kitchens. It quickly gained popularity for being easy, budget-friendly, and delicious.

Americans love it because it represents comfort, nostalgia, and family. The creamy texture, the contrast of crispy onions, and its compatibility with holiday main dishes like turkey and ham make it a must-have at festive gatherings.

3. How does Gordon Ramsay make green beans?

While Gordon Ramsay is known for gourmet techniques, his green beans are typically prepared in a simple, elegant, and flavorful way. He usually:

• Blanches fresh green beans in boiling salted water for just a couple of minutes to keep them crisp and vibrant.

• Then he sautés them quickly in olive oil or butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sometimes shallots.

• To finish, he may add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for texture and brightness.

Although he doesn’t typically make traditional Green Bean Casserole, his version of green beans is a great option if you’re looking for a lighter, more refined side dish.

4. Is Green Bean Casserole healthy?

Green Bean Casserole can be part of a balanced meal, but it’s considered more of a comfort food than a health food. Here’s why:

• It contains cream of mushroom soup and fried onions, which add saturated fat and sodium.

• However, green beans are nutrient-rich, providing fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants.

To make a healthier version:

• Use low-sodium or homemade cream of mushroom soup

• Swap in baked onions or breadcrumbs for the crispy topping

• Choose low-fat milk or plant-based alternatives

So, while the traditional version is indulgent, you can definitely tweak it to fit a healthier lifestyle without losing all the flavor.

Conclusion

Green Bean Casserole is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its creamy texture, savory flavor, and crispy topping make it the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just craving a comforting dinner, this dish never fails to deliver.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, Green Bean Casserole is both a crowd-pleaser and a breeze to make. Customize it to fit your dietary preferences, and enjoy this classic dish as a family favorite for years to come.

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