When it comes to classic holiday side dishes, few can compete with the comforting, creamy, and crunchy goodness of a Green Bean Casserole. Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu or just want a side that complements a weekday dinner, the Green Bean Casserole is a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best Green Bean Casserole, from understanding the essential ingredients, the step-by-step preparation, to some unique variations to make it your own. Plus, you’ll get tips for making it ahead of time, storing leftovers, and reheating to perfection. By the end, you’ll be a Green Bean Casserole pro, ready to impress your friends and family.
The History Behind Green Bean Casserole
Before diving into the recipe itself, it’s interesting to know that the Green Bean Casserole, as we know it, was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell Soup Company home economist. The goal was to create a quick and easy recipe using ingredients commonly found in American households at the time. Little did she know that her creation would go on to become a quintessential dish, particularly during holiday feasts like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The key elements of this casserole—green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions—are now iconic. Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, which serves as the base for the casserole, became an essential part of American kitchens after World War II, making this dish both a time-saver and a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Breakdown: What You Need
To make a traditional Green Bean Casserole, you only need a handful of ingredients. However, as simple as it may seem, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Core Ingredients for Classic Green Bean Casserole
- Fresh or Canned Green Beans: Fresh is always preferable, but canned green beans work just fine if you’re in a rush. Fresh green beans tend to have a better texture and flavor, while canned beans offer convenience.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the creamy foundation of the casserole. The combination of mushrooms and cream creates a rich and savory sauce that coats the beans perfectly.
- Milk: Milk is added to thin out the cream of mushroom soup, making it more fluid and easier to mix with the beans.
- Soy Sauce: A small amount of soy sauce adds a surprising depth of umami flavor, making the dish more complex and savory.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is essential to give the dish a slight kick and balance out the creaminess.
- French Fried Onions: These crispy onions are the signature topping of the Green Bean Casserole. Their crunchiness adds a much-needed contrast to the creamy filling, while their flavor complements the mushrooms and beans.
Additional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor
While the classic recipe is beloved by many, there are some additional ingredients that can elevate the dish to the next level:
- Garlic Powder or Fresh Garlic: Adds a subtle yet rich flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: A small sprinkle of parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor to the casserole.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms can be sautéed and added for extra texture and an earthy flavor that complements the canned cream of mushroom soup.
- Heavy Cream or Sour Cream: Adding a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream makes the casserole even richer and creamier.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients, let’s dive into the actual cooking process. This recipe makes enough for 6-8 servings, but can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (divided)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and get nice and hot.
2. Prepare the green beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them first. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the green beans. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the beans are bright green and tender but still crisp. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. If you’re using canned beans, simply drain them and set aside.
3. Mix the sauce:
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. The soy sauce adds umami and depth of flavor, while the garlic powder enhances the savory aspect of the dish. Make sure the sauce is smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the casserole:
Add the blanched green beans (or drained canned beans) to the bowl with the sauce and stir to coat them evenly. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Add the crispy onions:
Sprinkle ½ cup of the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole, reserving the other half for later. The onions will bake into the dish, adding a delicious crunchy layer to every bite.
6. Bake the casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The dish should be bubbling around the edges, and the sauce should be thick and creamy.
7. Final touch:
After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of crispy fried onions on top. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy.
8. Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole
- Use Fresh Green Beans: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh green beans instead of canned. If you’re in a time crunch, frozen green beans are a great compromise. Simply thaw them before using.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble the casserole (minus the final topping of fried onions) and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding the final crispy onion topping during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, you can mix some chopped almonds or panko breadcrumbs into the onion topping.
- Go Vegetarian-Friendly: Use a cream of mushroom soup that’s specifically labeled as vegetarian, as some canned soups contain chicken or beef broth.
Variations: Making It Your Own
One of the best things about a Green Bean Casserole is how versatile it can be. You can easily modify the dish to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few popular variations:
1. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
If you love cheese, this variation is for you. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the sauce, and top the casserole with a combination of cheese and fried onions before baking.
2. Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Bacon lovers, rejoice! Fry up 4-6 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble it, and mix it into the casserole before baking. You can also sprinkle some bacon crumbles on top for extra flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the regular crispy fried onions with gluten-free fried onions, which can often be found in specialty stores or online. Additionally, make sure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free.
4. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade or store-bought dairy-free cream of mushroom soup. Use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk, and opt for a vegan fried onion topping. Nutritional yeast can also be added for a cheesy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with almost any main dish. It’s most often served during Thanksgiving and Christmas alongside roast turkey, ham, or prime rib. However, it also complements everyday meals like grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even pasta dishes. The creamy texture and savory flavor of the casserole make it an excellent side for hearty meats or simple vegetarian entrees.
Suggested Main Dishes to Serve With:
- Roast turkey with cranberry sauce
- Honey-glazed ham
- Garlic herb roast beef
- Grilled chicken with lemon and herbs
- Vegetarian lasagna
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Green Bean Casserole is perfect for making ahead or storing leftovers for the next day.
Storing:
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The casserole tends to thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little milk or cream when reheating to restore its creaminess.
Reheating:
You can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To prevent the onions from getting soggy, reheat them separately on a baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes, then sprinkle on top just before serving. Alternatively, use the microwave to reheat individual portions, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
The Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that has stood the test of time. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or add your own twist, it’s a side dish that’s guaranteed to please. Its creamy texture, savory flavor, and crunchy topping make it a hit at holiday gatherings and a favorite year-round. Plus, with options to customize for various diets, there’s no reason not to include this casserole in your next meal plan!
If you enjoyed this Green Bean Casserole recipe, be sure to check out some other delicious recipes on Dana Recipes! Try the savory Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for your next appetizer, the flavorful Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a seafood delight, or the comforting Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a hearty meal everyone will love.