The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Timeless Classic with a Twist

A Holiday Classic Reimagined: The Story Behind Green Bean Casserole

The Green Bean Casserole Recipe has been a staple of American holiday meals for over 60 years. This classic recipe originated in 1955, created by Doris Campbell, a home economist at Campbell Soup Company. The original dish combined green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and french-fried onions, baked in a casserole dish at 165°C / 325°F.

Over time, this beloved holiday side dish has undergone many variations, with some recipes incorporating additional ingredients like garlic, onion, or ground beef. Despite these changes, the core elements of the original Green Bean Casserole Recipe remain the same. To elevate this classic dish, consider adding 240 g / 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms or 60 g / 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese to the mixture.

• Use fresh or frozen green beans for the best flavor and texture
• Experiment with different seasonings, such as black pepper or dried thyme
• Try using 120 g / 1/2 cup of french-fried onions for an extra crunchy topping

Green Bean Casserole: Ready in 30 Minutes!

Craving that classic comfort food but short on time? Our streamlined Green Bean Casserole recipe delivers all the creamy, crunchy goodness in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 240 g / 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (150 g / 10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 60 ml / ¼ cup milk
• 120 g / 1 cup crispy fried onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.
2. Steam or blanch green beans until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk together soup and milk.
4. Add green beans to the soup mixture and stir to coat.
5. Transfer to a greased 8-inch baking dish.
6. Top with crispy fried onions.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and onions are golden brown.

The Essential Ingredients for a Flawless Green Bean Casserole

Our Green Bean Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of high-quality ingredients to deliver a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup (115g) sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
• 1 cup (240g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120g) milk
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) French-fried onions

For an extra boost of flavor, consider these optional ingredients:

• Garlic powder: adds a savory depth to the dish
• Grated cheddar cheese: adds a rich, tangy flavor
• Chopped fresh parsley: adds a fresh, herbaceous note

When selecting ingredients, remember that quality matters. Choose fresh green beans that are tender and crisp, and opt for high-quality cream of mushroom soup and French-fried onions. This will ensure that your Green Bean Casserole Recipe turns out rich, creamy, and utterly delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Stress-Free Holiday Side Dish

To make a delicious Green Bean Casserole Recipe, it’s essential to follow a well-structured approach, ensuring each component is prepared to perfection and combined harmoniously.

The Green Bean Casserole Recipe consists of three primary elements: green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy fried onions, which are assembled and baked to a golden finish.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F, allowing it to reach the desired temperature while preparing the other ingredients, approximately 10-15 minutes.
2. Blanch 500 g / 2.5 cups of fresh or frozen green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then immediately submerge them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
3. Sauté 120 g / 1/2 cup of sliced onions and 2 cloves of minced garlic in 30 ml / 2 tablespoons of butter until they are softened and translucent, which should take about 8 minutes over medium heat.
4. Mix 240 g / 1 cup of heavy cream, 120 g / 1/2 cup of milk, 30 g / 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a saucepan, whisking continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens, approximately 10 minutes.
5. Combine the blanched green beans, sautéed onion mixture, and creamy sauce in a large bowl, stirring gently to avoid damaging the green beans, and season with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
6. Transfer the green bean mixture to a 20×20 cm / 8×8 inch baking dish, smoothing the top to ensure even cooking and a uniform finish.
7. Sprinkle 60 g / 1 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the green bean mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface for a crunchy topping.
8. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly, checking every 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
9. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

By following these step-by-step instructions and expert tips, the Green Bean Casserole Recipe is sure to become a stress-free and delicious addition to any holiday meal.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Green Bean Casserole: Expert Advice from a Seasoned Chef

Elevate your Green Bean Casserole Recipe with these insider tips from a seasoned chef. We’ll share tricks to ensure perfectly tender beans, a creamy, flavorful sauce, and a crispy, golden topping.

Green Bean Perfection

1. Don’t overcook the beans! Aim for bright green beans that are crisp-tender. Overcooked beans will become mushy and detract from the casserole’s texture.
2. Blanch for the best results. Blanching the beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the casserole helps them retain their vibrant color and prevents them from becoming watery.

Sauce Savvy

• Use homemade soup for depth of flavor. Homemade cream of mushroom soup is incredibly easy to make and adds a richer, more complex taste to the casserole than canned varieties.
• Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Salt and pepper are essential, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth.

Topping Triumph

For a truly irresistible topping, consider these tips:

• Toast the bread crumbs. Toasting the bread crumbs in butter before adding them to the casserole intensifies their flavor and creates a delightful crunch.
• Mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Adding a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs adds a savory, nutty note that complements the casserole beautifully.

Substitutions and Swaps for a Customized Green Bean Casserole

Want to make our Green Bean Casserole Recipe your own? Try these common substitutions and swaps to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

• Gluten-free option: Replace the 120 g (1 cup) of all-purpose flour with 120 g (1 cup) of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Note that gluten-free flours may affect the texture.
• Dairy-free option: Swap the 240 ml (1 cup) of milk with a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond or soy milk. You can also replace the 120 g (1/2 cup) of grated cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like vegan cheddar shreds.
• Vegan option: In addition to the dairy-free substitutions, replace the 30 g (2 tablespoons) of butter with a vegan butter substitute, like Earth Balance.
• Spice up your casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Remember, when substituting ingredients, the flavor and texture may vary. Taste and adjust as needed to ensure your customized Green Bean Casserole meets your expectations.

Creative Variations for a Unique Green Bean Casserole

Elevate the classic green bean casserole recipe with these creative twists, featuring new ingredients and flavor combinations. Each variation offers a distinct taste and texture, allowing for a personalized touch to this beloved dish.

• Bacon and Caramelized Onion: Add 120 g / 4 oz of crispy bacon and 250 g / 1 cup of caramelized onions to the green bean mixture for a smoky, sweet flavor. Baking time remains at 25-30 minutes at 180°C / 350°F.
• Spicy Southwestern: Mix in 1-2 diced jalapeños and 120 g / 4 oz of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. This variation adds 5-7 minutes to the baking time, until the cheese is melted and bubbly at 180°C / 350°F.
• Mushroom and Leek: Sauté 120 g / 4 oz of sliced mushrooms and 2 medium leeks with the green beans, adding an earthy flavor. This variation requires an additional 10-12 minutes of baking time, until the top is golden brown at 200°C / 400°F.

These creative variations offer a range of flavors and textures to enhance the classic green bean casserole recipe, making it perfect for any occasion.

How to Store and Reheat Your Green Bean Casserole for a Stress-Free Holiday

Made a big batch of our delicious Green Bean Casserole Recipe and have leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro for a stress-free holiday.

Storing Your Green Bean Casserole

Let the casserole cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming and making the casserole soggy.

1. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
2. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Your Green Bean Casserole

For best results, reheat your Green Bean Casserole in the oven.

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the casserole dish.
3. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just cover a serving with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Remember to always follow food safety guidelines and reheat your casserole thoroughly to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Your Green Bean Casserole

Don’t let common issues ruin your Green Bean Casserole. Learn how to troubleshoot and fix problems like soggy casserole, burnt edges, and more.

Common Issues and Fixes:

• Soggy Casserole:
  • Problem: Overcrowding the baking dish
  • Fix: Use a larger baking dish or reduce the amount of ingredients
  • Problem: Incorrect oven temperature
  • Fix: Check your oven temperature and adjust as needed
• Burnt Edges:
  • Problem: Overbaking or incorrect oven rack position
  • Fix: Reduce baking time or move the rack to a lower position
  • Problem: Insufficient greasing of the baking dish
  • Fix: Grease the dish more thoroughly or use parchment paper
• Undercooked Green Beans:
  • Problem: Insufficient cooking time
  • Fix: Increase cooking time or use pre-cooked green beans
  • Problem: Incorrect water temperature
  • Fix: Use boiling water (100°C / 212°F) for cooking green beans
• Bland Flavor:
  • Problem: Insufficient seasoning
  • Fix: Add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to taste
  • Problem: Using low-quality ingredients
  • Fix: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor

Nutrition Facts and Analysis

Our Green Bean Casserole Recipe provides approximately 320 calories per serving, with a macronutrient breakdown of 20g protein, 25g fat, and 25g carbohydrates. Each serving contains 240 mg of sodium and 5g of fiber.

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Macronutrients: 20g protein, 25g fat, 25g carbohydrates

This recipe is not suitable for vegan diets due to the presence of dairy products, but it is gluten-free (GF) and can be adapted to be dairy-free (DF) by substituting the milk and cheese with alternative ingredients.

Key Takeaways from Our Green Bean Casserole Recipe: Expert Tips and Tricks

Our Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. To ensure a perfect finish, here are some expert tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Don’t overcook the green beans. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes to preserve their crunch and color. Then, shock them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• Use high-quality canned cream of mushroom soup. This will give your casserole a rich, creamy flavor. Look for a brand with low sodium and no artificial preservatives.
• Don’t skip the French-fried onions. These are the crowning glory of Green Bean Casserole. Use a high-quality brand and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole before baking.
• Avoid overbaking. The casserole is done when the onions are golden brown and the green beans are tender. Check on it every 10-15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Use a 9×13 inch baking dish. This size is perfect for a standard Green Bean Casserole Recipe and will ensure even cooking.

By following these expert tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious, crowd-pleasing Green Bean Casserole Recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

The Story Behind Our Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe has been a staple for many years, and its story is one of inspiration and evolution. The original concept was born out of a desire to create a simple, yet flavorful side dish that could be easily prepared and served at family gatherings.

Over time, the recipe has undergone several transformations, with various ingredients and cooking methods being tested and refined. The result is a dish that is both nostalgic and innovative, with a perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet elements.

• Initial inspiration came from traditional French and American cuisine, where green beans are often paired with creamy sauces and crunchy toppings.
• Experimentation with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini and shiitake, added depth and complexity to the dish.
• The use of French-fried onions as a topping provided a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness.

Today, our Green Bean Casserole Recipe remains a beloved favorite, with its rich history and adaptability making it a staple for special occasions and everyday meals alike.

The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe for a Stress-Free Holiday

There you have it – our Green Bean Casserole recipe, designed to make your holiday meal a breeze. Remember, the key to a creamy, flavorful casserole is using fresh, high-quality green beans and a good quality cream of mushroom soup. Don’t be afraid to experiment with crispy topping variations, like adding crumbled bacon or toasted pecans for extra crunch.

Ready to elevate your holiday table? Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a classic dish made easy. For more festive recipes, explore our collection of holiday favorites.