Looking for a classic side dish to impress your guests? Search no more for a delectable green bean casserole recipe.
This dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser with fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions.
Whether hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a comforting and hearty side dish, this easy green bean casserole is the perfect choice. With easy-to-follow instructions and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time and wow your guests with its delicious flavor and satisfying texture.
So let’s get started and make some classic green bean casserole!
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic green bean casserole. The tender green beans, enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions, all baked to perfection, create a symphony of flavors and textures.
Making this dish always brings back fond memories of family gatherings and festive dinners. To whip up this heartwarming classic or cheesy keto casserole, start by blanching fresh green beans to retain their vibrant color.
Meanwhile, sauté some onions and mushrooms until they’re soft and fragrant. Blend them with a creamy sauce, preferably made from a mix of cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a dash of soya sauce for that umami kick.
Once your green beans are mixed into this luscious concoction, pour them into a baking dish, sprinkle a generous layer of fried onions on top, and bake until it’s bubbly and golden.
Just like, Homemade ground beef casserole, it’s a timeless dish that’s sure to be the star of any meal!
What is Casserole?
A casserole is a complete meal in one dish cooked and served as one. It typically consists of protein, vegetables, and sometimes other ingredients like rice or pasta.
Casseroles are popular because they’re easy to make, can feed a large family quickly, and often require only essential elements. This green bean casserole recipe exemplifies how tasty these dishes can be.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- 1 Mixing Spoon
- 1 Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Drained cans of cut green beans
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 Cup Diced Opinion
- 2 Cup Milk
- 1/4 Cup All-purpose flour
- 3/4 tbsp Salt
- 1/8 tbsp Peper
- 3 Drops Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Cup French fried onions
- 1 Can Cream of mushroom soup or your favourite variety
Instructions
- Using a pot of appropriate size, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and turns lightly golden.
- Next, add the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup, green beans, and half of the fried onions; stir to combine everything nicely.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch square baking dishes and transfer the mixture into the dish(es).
- Sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until the dish turns golden brown and starts to bubble.
- Serve hot, and enjoy.
Notes
Green Bean Casserole Variations
- Add Spice: If you want to kick your green bean casserole, add some. Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mushroom sauce for a bit of heat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While canned green beans and mushroom soup can make for a quick and easy casserole, fresh ingredients can take your dish to the next level. Consider using fresh green beans, homemade cream of mushroom soup, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Try a Different Cheese: Instead of the usual crispy fried onions, try topping your casserole with a different type of cheese. Cheddar or Swiss cheese can add a deliciously cheesy layer to the top of your soup.
- Add Some Protein: If you want to make your green bean casserole a bit heartier, consider adding some protein. Cooked chicken or turkey, crumbled bacon, or sliced sausage can be added to the soup to boost flavor and texture.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To cater to your household’s gluten intolerance, you can prepare a gluten-free green bean casserole that is just as delightful. Utilise gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping, and ensure you utilize gluten-free mushroom soup cream.
- Make it Vegan: If you’re looking for a vegan version of green bean casserole, you can make a few substitutions. Use plant-based milk, like almond or soy, in the cream of mushroom soup and top with crispy fried onions made from onions and chickpea flour.
- Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Don’t be adventurous; try various herbs and spices to infuse distinctive flavors into your casserole. Sage, thyme, and rosemary can add an earthy, savory taste, while nutmeg or cinnamon can add sweetness.
- Use Different Veggies: While green beans are the show’s star in green bean casserole, you can mix things up by adding other veggies. Carrots, broccoli, or even asparagus can be added to the soup for some extra color and nutrition.
- Make it Creamier: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mushroom sauce for an extra creamy casserole before adding the green beans.
- Try Different Toppings: Feel free to switch your green bean casserole toppings. Crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of fried onions, or you can even sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an added flavor.
Benefits of Green Bean Casserole
Homemade Green bean casserole is an excellent way to get in your vegetables while enjoying a delicious and hearty meal. It contains healthy ingredients like green beans, mushrooms, onions, milk, and butter.
The leftovers make for a leisurely lunch or dinner the next day. This casserole can be served as a side dish with any main protein, such as roasted chicken, tenderloin, or steak. Alternatively, you can do it as a vegetarian entrée by adding fried tofu cubes before baking.
This easy recipe is also very versatile, and you can add other vegetables like carrots or celery to customize the flavor according to your preference. You could also use different cream soups, such as cream of celery or potato, to switch up the flavor. Dairy products can be substituted with plant-based milk and vegan butter for a vegan variation.
FAQs
Can I freeze green bean casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight or freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in a refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a 350°F oven until very warm and bubbly.
What is the shelf life of green bean casserole in the fridge?
Green bean casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, provided it is transferred to an airtight container immediately after cooking. To reheat, warm individual portions either in a microwave or a 350°F oven until they are hot.
What can I use instead of fried onions?
If you don’t have French-fried onions, try using crispy fried shallots or onion strings as a topping. You could also use toasted slivered almonds or freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a different flavour and crunchy texture.
Is it possible to use fresh green beans in place of canned ones?
Yes, definitely! After blanching the fresh green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, drain them and then add them to the casserole. This step will guarantee that your dish is cooked thoroughly and has great flavor.
Conclusion
Savor the flavors of this timeless green bean casserole recipe! It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any family dinner or social gathering. For an extra burst of flavor, incorporate fresh or frozen green beans into the mixture before baking. Additionally, you can sprinkle your preferred cheese on top just before serving!