This Best Green Bean Casserole is a cozy dish that combines tender green beans with creamy mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for sharing!
Every time I make this, it disappears fast! It’s a family favorite, and who doesn’t love that crispy topping? It’s like the cherry on top, but for green beans. 🌟
I appreciate how easy it is to throw together, making it a great side for any meal. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any left, that is! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star of this dish. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The canned version is convenient, but you can make your own using fresh mushrooms, cream, and broth if you’re feeling adventurous! For a non-dairy option, try a cream of celery or a vegan mushroom soup.
Soy Sauce: It adds depth to the flavor. If you’re watching your sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos as a substitute. It’ll give a similar umami taste without the added salt.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice flavor. You can swap it for other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella if you prefer. Just remember that it will change the flavor profile a bit!
What’s the Best Way to Blanch Green Beans?
Blanching green beans is a crucial step to keep them bright and crisp in your casserole. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 5 minutes. They should be tender but still firm.
- Immediately drain them and transfer to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps them stay vibrant green!
- Once cooled, drain again thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the final dish.
This quick cooking method keeps your beans from becoming mushy, ensuring a delicious texture in your casserole!
Best Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For Topping:
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (divided)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing mushrooms, if using fresh)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (for extra mushroom flavor, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious green bean casserole will take about 15-20 minutes to prep and approximately 30-40 minutes in the oven. Plan for a total of about 1 hour, including cooking time. You’ll have a warm and comforting dish ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s hot and ready for your casserole. This helps it cook evenly and become nice and bubbly!
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous sprinkle of salt. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 5 minutes until they are just tender but still a bit crisp. Drain them and quickly plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. This keeps them vibrant green!
3. Sauté the Mushrooms (Optional):
If you want to add more mushrooms for flavor, melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re soft. Set these aside when done.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Add half of the French fried onions and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. If you sautéed mushrooms, add those in too!
5. Combine Everything:
Gently add the blanched green beans to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the green beans are well coated in the creamy goodness.
6. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish, and then pour the green bean mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so every bite will have a little bit of everything!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. This will make it nice and heated through.
8. Add the Topping:
After 25 minutes, take the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top. Pop it back in the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This is the part you’ve been waiting for! Serve it up warm and enjoy your delicious green bean casserole!
This classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser! It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with those irresistible crispy onions—perfect for any gathering or cozy dinner at home! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen green beans before incorporating them into the casserole. This will help prevent excess moisture from making the dish watery.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using fresh mushrooms, heavy cream, and chicken or vegetable broth. This will give you a similar creamy consistency!
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. The texture may vary slightly after reheating, but it will still be delicious!
