Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green bean casserole is a beloved classic that has stood the test of time, especially during holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping. This recipe for the best green bean casserole offers a twist on the traditional, ensuring that it’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Comfort Food: This dish combines creamy, crunchy, and savory elements, making it a crowd-pleaser.
2. Perfect for Holidays: No holiday table is complete without a green bean casserole, and this version is sure to impress.
3. Customizable: While it’s delicious as is, this recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary needs or flavor preferences.
4. Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s an excellent option for both beginner and experienced cooks.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Green Beans

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 4-5 minutes, or until they’re bright green and just tender. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain them again and set aside.

Blanching the green beans before baking ensures they retain their vibrant color and have the perfect tender-crisp texture in the final dish.

Step 2: Make the Mushroom Sauce

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until they release their moisture and start to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream, mixing until everything is well combined. Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This sauce is the backbone of the casserole, adding rich, creamy flavor to the green beans. If you want to make the dish even more indulgent, you can mix in shredded cheddar cheese at this stage for a creamier texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce. Stir until the green beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
• Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you like, you can sprinkle a little more cheese on top of the mixture for added richness.

Step 4: Add the Topping

• In a small bowl, combine the French fried onions, panko breadcrumbs (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese. This will add an extra layer of crunch and flavor to the topping.
• Sprinkle the onion mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

The crispy onion topping is arguably the best part of green bean casserole. It adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy green beans underneath.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the sauce set and make it easier to serve.

Tips for the Perfect Green Bean Casserole

• Use Fresh Green Beans: While canned or frozen green beans work in a pinch, fresh green beans offer the best texture and flavor. Blanching them beforehand ensures they’re cooked just enough to be tender without becoming mushy.
• Homemade Mushroom Soup: For an elevated version of this dish, consider making your own cream of mushroom soup instead of using the canned version. Simply sauté mushrooms in butter, then add flour and broth to create a roux before stirring in cream.
• Cheesy Twist: While traditional green bean casserole doesn’t include cheese, adding a layer of cheddar or mozzarella can make it even more indulgent.
• Don’t Skip the Ice Bath: After blanching the green beans, immediately transfer them to ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps retain their vibrant color and texture.
• Extra Crunchy Topping: For an even crispier topping, add panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to the fried onions. The breadcrumbs will absorb some of the sauce and stay crispy during baking.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the topping, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, top it with the crispy onions and bake as directed.

Variations and Customizations

1. Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the mushroom sauce for a smoky, savory twist. You can also sprinkle some bacon on top of the casserole before baking for added flavor and texture.
2. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mushroom sauce for a cheesy variation. You can also top the casserole with extra cheese before adding the fried onions for an extra melty, gooey casserole.
3. Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. You can also skip the panko breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free alternative.
4. Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter, almond or coconut milk, and dairy-free cream of mushroom soup. There are also dairy-free fried onions available at most grocery stores.
5. Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Make this dish vegan by using plant-based ingredients. Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
6. Spicy Green Bean Casserole: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom sauce or top the casserole with sliced jalapenos before baking.
7. Low-Carb Option: Use heavy cream instead of cream of mushroom soup and make a homemade sauce without flour or starch to lower the carb content. Skip the panko breadcrumbs and use extra Parmesan cheese for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

Green bean casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas:

• Turkey: This casserole is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving turkey.
• Roast Chicken: The creamy green beans complement the savory flavors of roast chicken.
• Ham: Serve this alongside glazed ham for a delicious holiday meal.
• Prime Rib: The richness of green bean casserole is a great match for the bold flavors of prime rib.
• Mashed Potatoes: Add some mashed potatoes to the table for an ultimate comfort food feast.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, though the topping may not stay as crispy.

Conclusion

This best green bean casserole is a timeless recipe that offers both comfort and flavor. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or as a cozy side dish for a family dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit. The combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, with various customizations available, you can make this dish uniquely yours every time you prepare it.

Yield: 8

Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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Green bean casserole is a beloved classic that has stood the test of time, especially during holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping. This recipe for the best green bean casserole offers a twist on the traditional, ensuring that it’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or 4 cups frozen green beans)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer texture)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 ½ cups French fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Green Beans:

• If using fresh green beans, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
• If using frozen green beans, thaw them out, and drain any excess water.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Make the Casserole Mixture:

• Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing well. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat up.
• If you prefer a cheesy casserole, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
• Add salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans with the soup mixture. Stir to coat the beans evenly.
• Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

6. Bake the Casserole:

• Sprinkle 1 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and the top is golden brown.

7. Add the Final Crunch:

• Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French fried onions on top, and bake for another 5 minutes to get a nice crispy topping.

8. Serve:

• Once the casserole is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Variations: Add some cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for an extra flavor boost.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the French fried onions with a gluten-free option or make your own at home.