Welcome to my favorite holiday tradition—*Green bean casserole*! This dish is a staple on my family’s table, and it just wouldn’t feel like the holidays without it. I remember the first time I tried making it; the aroma of green beans mingling with creamy mushroom soup took me back to my childhood. It’s such an easy dish to whip up, but it always impresses guests with its warm, comforting flavors. Plus, those crispy fried onions on top? They’re the cherry on top of this delightful casserole! Trust me, this recipe will become a cherished part of your gatherings too.
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions
How to Prepare Green Bean Casserole
Preheat and Prepare
First things first—let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly and golden. While the oven warms up, it’s time to prepare those fresh green beans! Blanching them in boiling water for about 5 minutes not only brightens their color but also helps maintain that delightful crunch. Once they’re tender yet crisp, drain them and set them aside. You’ll love the vibrant green they become!
Mixing the Ingredients
Now for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy goodness of the cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. I like to whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. The soy sauce adds a lovely depth of flavor that really rounds out the dish. Once that’s done, gently fold in the blanched green beans, making sure they’re well coated in that delicious mixture. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
Baking the Casserole
Pour your green bean and soup mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Here comes the best part—top it off with 2/3 cup of those crispy fried onions. They’ll create that irresistible crunchy layer we all crave! Bake it in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After that, take it out and give it a stir to incorporate those crispy bits throughout. Then, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top and pop it back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until it’s golden brown and bubbling. Wow, the aroma will be out of this world!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Green bean casserole* turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor—trust me, it makes a difference. If you’re in a pinch, frozen green beans work too, but be sure to thaw them first. Don’t skip the blanching step; it brightens the beans and keeps them nice and crisp. And when it comes to those crispy fried onions, feel free to be generous—everyone loves that extra crunch! Lastly, let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving; it helps the layers set nicely. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional information for my *Green bean casserole*. Each serving (1 cup) has approximately 200 calories, 10g of fat, 5g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimated and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic holiday dish that brings back fond memories and warmth to any gathering.
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy cooks and last-minute holiday plans.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.
- Vegetarian-friendly and suitable for various diets, pleasing a wide range of palates.
- The crispy fried onions on top add a delightful crunch that everyone loves!
- It’s a dish that always gets rave reviews—seriously, people will ask for the recipe!
Common Questions About Green Bean Casserole
Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce with sautéed mushrooms. It’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you seal it up!
Can I use frozen green beans instead?
You sure can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. Blanching isn’t necessary if you’re using frozen beans, but give them a quick rinse to keep them vibrant.
What’s the best way to reheat green bean casserole?
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can cover it with foil to prevent browning too much, but take it off for the last few minutes to crisp up those onions again!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your *Green bean casserole*, consider pairing it with some classic holiday favorites. It goes wonderfully alongside a juicy roasted turkey or a savory honey-glazed ham—both are crowd-pleasers! If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple herb-roasted chicken works beautifully too. For sides, I love serving creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up all those delicious flavors. And don’t forget a bright cranberry sauce to add a tart contrast! As for beverages, a chilled white wine or sparkling cider complements the richness of the casserole perfectly. Cheers to delicious holiday feasts!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
When it comes to storing your *Green bean casserole*, let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it too! Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and it should be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering it with foil to keep it moist. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up those onions again. Yum!
Learn more about the benefits of green beans and their nutritional value.
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Green bean casserole: 7 Comforting Secrets to Cherish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic holiday dish featuring green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Add the blanched green beans to the soup mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and stir the casserole.
- Top with remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture.
- You can substitute with frozen green beans if necessary.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat soup and milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Green bean casserole, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving recipes