Hello, my dear readers. There’s something truly magical about the scent of a Green bean casserole recipe baking in the oven. It’s the smell of home, of gathered loved ones, and of cozy evenings. The creamy sauce, the satisfying crunch of those onions on top… it’s a symphony of textures and comfort that never fails to bring a smile.
I remember my mother pulling her best green bean casserole from the oven every Thanksgiving, the dish steaming and glorious. It felt like a celebration. But is green bean casserole *only* a Thanksgiving dish? Absolutely not, darling. This easy green bean casserole is for any night you need a little warmth on your table.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions
Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Green bean casserole recipe
This easy green bean casserole comes together in a flash, making it a perfect weeknight side.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly heated and ready for your creamy green bean casserole.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is beautifully smooth.
Step 3: Combine with Beans
Add the drained green beans to the soup mixture. Gently stir until every single bean is lovingly coated in that creamy, savory sauce.
Step 4: Transfer to Dish
Pour the green bean mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and spread it out into an even layer.
Step 5: First Bake
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges. The smell will be simply divine!
Step 6: Add the Topping
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top. This creates that iconic, crunchy finish.
Step 7: Second Bake
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or just until the onions are a perfect, golden brown.
Step 8: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve up beautifully.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Every family has their own little twist on a classic. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make this Green bean casserole recipe your own.
- Flavor Swap: For a deeper flavor, try using cream of celery soup instead of mushroom.
- Diet Tweak: Use a low-sodium cream soup and light milk to make a lighter version.
- Prep Fix: For a fresh green bean casserole, blanch 1 ½ pounds of fresh green beans first.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crisp.
Healthier Alternatives for Green bean casserole recipe
Many of you often ask, “Can I make it healthier?” and you certainly can! For a from-scratch version, make a roux with mushrooms and low-sodium broth instead of canned soup.
You can also use fresh or frozen green beans for more nutrients. A sprinkle of slivered almonds can be a lovely, lower-carb alternative to the fried onions for the topping.
How to Serve Green bean casserole recipe
This green bean bake is the ultimate comfort food sidekick. I love serving it alongside a simple roasted chicken or a glazed ham. It’s a must-have on our holiday table, right next to the mashed potatoes and stuffing.
For a cozy Sunday supper, it pairs wonderfully with a juicy meatloaf. No matter what you serve it with, it’s guaranteed to bring a sense of joy and nostalgia to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional green bean casserole recipe made of?
The classic, traditional green bean casserole is made with just a few simple ingredients: canned green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, a dash of soy sauce for depth, and it’s all topped with those iconic French fried onions. It’s a timeless combination.
How do you make green bean casserole from scratch?
To make it completely from scratch, you’d create a creamy mushroom sauce with fresh sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and broth. Then, you’d mix it with blanched fresh green beans and top it with homemade crispy onions or breadcrumbs before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup are excellent substitutes that still give you that creamy texture. For a homemade twist, a simple white sauce with sautéed mushrooms works beautifully.
How long do you bake a green bean casserole for?
You’ll bake the casserole base for about 25 minutes at 350°F. Then, after adding the crispy onion topping, you bake it for just 5 more minutes to get it perfectly golden and delicious.
Can you make green bean casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole (without the topping) a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed, adding the onions for the final 5 minutes.
What goes well with green bean casserole?
It’s the perfect partner for holiday roasts like turkey or ham. For everyday meals, it’s wonderful with meatloaf, roasted chicken, or pork chops. It truly is a versatile side dish everyone loves.
How do you keep green bean casserole from getting soggy?
The key is to ensure your green beans are well-drained. Also, don’t add the crispy onion topping until the very last few minutes of baking. This keeps them wonderfully crunchy instead of soggy.
