Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe | Easy Holiday Side

This classic holiday side dish is quick to prepare, taking just about 5 minutes. It combines tender green beans with crispy fried onions in a creamy sauce. The traditional green bean casserole recipe makes 8 servings and is ready in 50 minutes. It’s a hit at Thanksgiving and other gatherings, thanks to its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions topping.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy to prepare in just 50 minutes
• Features tender green beans and crispy fried onions
• Creamy mushroom sauce made with a shortcut ingredient
• A classic Thanksgiving and holiday side dish
• Serves 8 people for a crowd-pleasing side

Why This Green Bean Casserole is a Holiday Favorite

Green bean casserole is a traditional holiday recipe loved by many. It’s a comfort food with a creamy texture and a crispy onion topping. It’s perfect for family gatherings and nostalgic dishes.

History of the Classic Side Dish

Dorcas Reilly created the classic green bean casserole in 1955 for Campbell’s Soup Company. It was made to show off Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup. It quickly became a hit as a simple yet tasty holiday recipe.

In 2004, Campbell’s said 20 million households had green bean casserole on their Thanksgiving tables.

What Makes It Special

Green bean casserole is loved for its ease of preparation and ability to feed many. It’s great for family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The mix of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crunchy fried onions is perfect.

“Green Bean Casserole was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2002 due to its enduring contribution to the holiday meal.”

Dorcas Reilly called it the “mother of all comfort foods.” She said it’s versatile and has been a part of family traditions and holiday celebrations for years.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the classic green bean casserole, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. You’ll need 4 cups of frozen cut green beans or 2 cans of cut green beans. Also, 10.5 ounces of condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of milk are required.

For seasoning, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of seasoned salt. The dish’s star is the crispy fried onions, which you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of. You can also add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

This recipe is flexible. You can use canned, fresh, or frozen green beans. The creamy mushroom soup, savory soy sauce, and crispy fried onions blend beautifully. This makes the dish a holiday favorite.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious green bean casserole. It will be the highlight of your holiday gathering.

Kitchen Equipment Required

To make a tasty green bean casserole, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools and bakeware. The key to this classic dish is a casserole dish or baking pan. A 2-quart baking dish or an 8×8-inch pan is perfect for a standard recipe. For bigger groups, a 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal.

You’ll also need a mixing bowl to mix all the ingredients. If you like using a slow cooker, a 4-quart slow cooker works great for making the casserole.

Essential Baking Dishes

• 2-quart casserole dish or 8×8-inch baking pan for a standard recipe
• 9×13-inch baking pan for larger batches

Recommended Tools

1. Large mixing bowl
2. 4-quart slow cooker (for alternative cooking method)
3. Measuring cups and spoons

With these kitchen tools and bakeware, you’re ready to make a delicious green bean casserole. It’s sure to delight your guests.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Making a tasty green bean casserole is simple. This guide will help you make a perfect easy recipe every time. We cover baking instructions and casserole preparation to ensure success.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. If using fresh or frozen green beans, boil a large pot of salted water. Blanch the beans for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Put the green bean mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of crispy fried onions on top.
5. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
6. Take it out of the oven, stir the casserole, and then top with the remaining crispy onions.
7. Put it back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the onions are golden brown.
8. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

This simple easy recipe and clear baking instructions will get you a delicious green bean casserole preparation in about 40 minutes.

Follow this guide to make a delicious and classic easy recipe for green bean casserole preparation. Enjoy your homemade holiday side dish!

Choosing the Right Green Beans

Choosing the right green beans for your green bean casserole is important. You can pick from fresh, frozen, or canned beans. Each has its own benefits and things to consider. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned

Fresh green beans are known for their crisp texture and bright taste. They need some prep like trimming and blanching. But, they make your casserole fresh and crunchy.

Frozen green beans are easy to use and keep their nutrients. They have a tender bite but are a bit firmer. Canned green beans are the softest and quickest to use. They’re perfect for a fast green bean casserole.

Preparation Methods

How you prepare your green beans is crucial for the best taste and texture. For fresh green beans, just trim the ends and boil them for 5-7 minutes. Frozen green beans need to thaw first. Canned green beans are ready to go after draining and rinsing.

Choosing between fresh, frozen, or canned green beans depends on what you like, what’s available, and how much time you have. No matter your choice, your green bean casserole will be a hit at your holiday meal.

The Perfect Creamy Mushroom Sauce

The secret to a delicious green bean casserole is the creamy mushroom sauce. This sauce is the heart of the dish, holding the green beans and onions together. It’s made with condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a bit of soy sauce. These ingredients make a smooth, tasty sauce that makes the casserole special.

Adding 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce makes it even creamier. This cheese adds a comforting flavor that goes well with the green beans and onions.

This creamy mushroom sauce turns the classic side dish into a rich treat. The recipe for this creamy sauce is perfect for anyone wanting to make their green bean casserole better.

These simple ingredients mix to make a creamy sauce that’s key to the classic green bean casserole. This condensed cream of mushroom soup-based sauce, along with the creamy sauce recipe, is the perfect casserole base for the dish.

Crispy Fried Onion Topping Tips

No classic green bean casserole is complete without the iconic crunchy topping of French’s Crispy Fried Onions. This ingredient adds a delightful texture and a savory, caramelized flavor. Whether you buy it or make your own onion crisp, getting the perfect crunch is crucial.

Store-bought vs. Homemade Options

The recipe needs 1.5 cups of crispy fried onions. You’ll use 1 cup in the bean mixture and save 1/2 cup for the topping. French’s Crispy Fried Onions are easy to find, but making your own at home lets you control the flavor and texture.

Achieving the Perfect Crunch

To get a golden, crispy top, add the reserved 1/2 cup of onions in the last 10 minutes of baking. This keeps the onions crunchy, not soggy. You can adjust the amount of onions for your desired crunchiness.

Whether you pick store-bought or homemade French’s Crispy Fried Onions, timing and amounts are key. Follow these tips to make your green bean casserole’s topping a hit with your guests.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Planning ahead for holidays can be a big help. This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe is perfect for holiday meal planning. You can make it up to 48 hours before, giving you a head start on your casserole storage.

To prep ahead, just put the casserole together but keep the crispy onion topping separate. Then, refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Before baking, take it out of the fridge for 30 minutes. Add the topping and bake as usual. You might need to bake it for about 10 minutes longer if it’s cold.

This way of making the casserole saves you time on the big day. It also lets the flavors mix better, making the dish even tastier. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy this beloved Green Bean Casserole without the stress of last-minute cooking.

Using this make-ahead method lets you enjoy the Green Bean Casserole’s full flavor without the rush. Just assemble, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready. It makes your holiday meal planning easy and stress-free.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

After enjoying the classic green bean casserole, it’s key to know how to store and reheat leftovers. This ensures you can enjoy it even after the holiday meal. Following food safety tips is crucial.

To store leftovers, put the casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days. For reheating, microwave individual servings for 45 seconds to 1 minute. To reheat the whole casserole, warm it in the oven for a few minutes.

If you want to freeze the casserole, do it before baking. Assemble it without the onion topping, cover it, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

By following these easy storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your leftover casserole long after the holiday. Proper food safety and reheating instructions are essential for the best taste.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

The classic green bean casserole is a favorite holiday side dish. It not only tastes great but also adds nutritional value. Each serving, or 1/8 of the recipe, has 112-180 calories, 6-7g fat, 11-24g carbohydrates, 3-7g protein, and 2-5g fiber. The green beans are a healthy side dish packed with vitamins and minerals.

Caloric Content

Even though the casserole has more calories than a typical veggie side, it can still fit into a balanced meal. You can make it healthier by using low-fat or reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions.

Dietary Considerations

• The dish has a lot of sodium (475-1168mg per serving) from the soup and onions. If you’re watching your sodium intake, look for low-sodium options.
• Green beans are a good source of fiber. The creamy sauce adds richness and nutrition facts to the meal.
• Overall, the green bean casserole can be a healthy side dish when part of a balanced diet. It offers a mix of nutrients and flavor.

In summary, the classic green bean casserole is a tasty and nutritious side dish when eaten in moderation. By choosing smart ingredients, it can be a comforting and healthy addition to your holiday table.

Recipe Variations and Add-ins

The classic green bean casserole is a holiday favorite. But, you don’t have to stick to the traditional recipe. Creative cooks have come up with many variations, each with its own flavors and textures.

One way to make it richer is by adding 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the mushroom sauce. This casserole customization adds a layer of flavor and indulgence.

For more flavor, some recipes suggest sautéing onions, mushrooms, or garlic before mixing them into the sauce. These ingredients can really boost the casserole’s flavor. Adding slivered almonds or crispy bacon bits on top adds a nice crunch.

There are countless ways to customize and enhance the green bean casserole. You can add cheese, sautéed veggies, or unique toppings. This lets you make the casserole your own, based on your taste and cooking style.

“Experimenting with different add-ins and cooking techniques is half the fun of making the classic green bean casserole. It allows you to put your own spin on a holiday favorite.”

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect green bean casserole is a fun challenge. But, there are a few mistakes to watch out for. One big issue is overcooking the green beans, making them mushy. To fix this, cook the beans until they’re tender but still crisp before baking.

Another problem is a soggy topping. To avoid this, add the crispy onions in the last 10 minutes of baking. This keeps them crunchy.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your casserole is too runny, try reducing the milk slightly or adding a thickener like cornstarch. This will help it become creamy. If it’s too dry, a splash of milk or cream before reheating can add moisture.

Expert Solutions

• Chef Palak Patel says to blanch fresh green beans for 2 to 3 minutes max in boiling water with salt to avoid overcooking.
• He also recommends using frozen green beans as the best choice for green bean casserole.
• It’s key to defrost and drain frozen green beans completely before adding them. This prevents excess water from making the dish runny.
• Chef Patel advises adding a thickener like roux or starch if the casserole turns watery to get a rich consistency.
• He suggests adding toppings just a few minutes before the casserole is finished cooking. This keeps the toppings crispy and prevents them from getting soggy or burnt.

By avoiding these common cooking errors, casserole problems, and following expert baking tips, you can make sure your green bean casserole is perfect every time.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Green bean casserole is a great side dish for holidays. It goes well with roast turkey, ham, or prime rib. The creamy texture and savory flavors match these traditional dishes perfectly.

For a complete meal, pair it with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. A crisp salad and fresh dinner rolls can also balance the casserole’s richness. It’s perfect for both casual family gatherings and formal holiday feasts.

Green bean casserole is not just for holidays. It also pairs well with grilled chicken, pork chops, fish, and vegetarian dishes. Its creamy texture and savory notes make it a versatile side for any meal.