Cozy Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Heartwarming Classic

My aunt’s legendary green bean casserole recipe has delighted dinner tables for generations.

Crispy golden breadcrumbs and tender vegetables create a comforting classic that everyone adores.

Creamy mushroom sauce binds each delectable bite with rich, savory flavors.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Families gather around this dish, sharing memories and enjoying warm connections.

Each forkful brings nostalgia and genuine culinary satisfaction.

Why Green Bean Casserole Is a Timeless Dish

• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps like using fresh or canned green beans, making it flexible for different preferences and pantry situations.
• Zero Culinary Expertise Needed: Beginner-friendly recipe requires minimal cooking skills, with straightforward mixing and baking steps that guarantee a delicious result every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Creamy base with crispy onion topping creates an irresistible combination of smooth and crunchy elements that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients for a Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh or canned green beans that form the core of this classic casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and helps bind the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese that adds a sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully throughout the dish.

• Fried Onions: Crispy onions that create a crunchy and golden topping for the casserole.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

How to Prepare Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious green bean adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Green Beans

If you’re using fresh green beans, give them a quick bath in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then drain them completely.

For canned beans, you can skip this dance.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture

• Green beans
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir these ingredients until they’re beautifully combined and looking deliciously inviting.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Gently pour your green bean mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly for perfect cooking.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25 minutes.

Watch for those bubbling edges that signal it’s getting deliciously hot.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle fried onions over the top of the casserole, creating a golden, crispy crown.

Step 7: Final Crisp

Return the dish to the oven for a quick 5-minute finale, allowing the onions to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and serve it steaming hot, ready to delight everyone at the table.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Green Bean Casserole

• Cook fresh green beans exactly 3-5 minutes to maintain crisp texture and bright green color without overcooking.
• Use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor, or experiment with gruyère or monterey jack for a unique twist.
• Crush store-bought fried onions slightly before sprinkling to create more crunch and even coverage.
• Prepare casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenience.
• Replace cream of mushroom soup with dairy-free alternative and use lactose-free cheese for gluten-free and dairy-sensitive diets.

Flavor Variations of Green Bean Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream of mushroom soup with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese. Swap fried onions with toasted almond slivers for a crunchy topping.
• Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Use plant-based cream of mushroom soup, dairy-free cheese alternative, and homemade crispy onion rings made from sliced onions and panko breadcrumbs.
• Low-Carb Green Bean Option: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cauliflower cream sauce. Use crushed pork rinds instead of fried onions for a crispy, low-carb topping.

Serving Ideas for Green Bean Casserole

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this green bean casserole with roasted turkey or grilled chicken for a hearty main course that fills everyone's plate with warmth.
• Festive Side Platter: Arrange the casserole alongside mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce during holiday meals to create a traditional and inviting dinner spread.
• Potluck Perfect: Transport this dish in a covered carrier to family gatherings, where its creamy texture and crispy onion topping will be an instant crowd-pleaser.
• Vegetarian Twist: Serve as a standalone vegetarian main course by adding extra cheese or swapping cream of mushroom soup for a plant-based alternative to make it more substantial.

Storing Green Bean Casserole Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when heated through, typically 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw and drain them completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable cream of mushroom soup and ensure the fried onions are vegetarian-friendly. Replace cheddar with a vegetarian cheese option if needed.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Reduce the cheese amount, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and opt for baked onion topping instead of fried onions to cut down on calories and fat.

• Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate. Add the fried onion topping just before baking to maintain their crispiness.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy green bean casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia on a single plate, blending crispy fried onions with tender green beans in a rich mushroom sauce. Homemade goodness awaits when you savor this classic American side dish that brings warmth to any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 pounds (1.1 kg) French green beans
• 2 cans (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Topping:

• 1 1/3 cups (320 milliliters) fried onions

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) preparing for the casserole assembly.
2. For fresh green beans, plunge into rapidly boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then quickly drain and cool. Canned beans can be used directly without this preparation.
3. Mix green beans with cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheddar cheese in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Carefully transfer the combined mixture into a suitable baking dish, spreading evenly to create consistent depth.
5. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and cook for 25 minutes until the contents become bubbly and heated through.
6. Generously scatter crispy fried onions across the casserole’s surface, returning to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden, crunchy topping.
7. Remove from oven and allow to rest momentarily before serving, ensuring the casserole maintains its appetizing temperature and texture.

Notes

• Choose tender, bright green beans for the best flavor and texture.
• Blanch fresh green beans quickly to maintain their crisp, vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with a homemade bechamel sauce for a lighter, fresher alternative.
• Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and smoky depth to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 215 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg