The aroma of The Best Green Bean Casserole wafts through the air, instantly bringing back memories of bustling holiday gatherings filled with laughter, love, and sumptuous food. Picture the comforting blend of creamy mushroom soup and tender green beans, topped with a glorious layer of golden fried onions that crunch delightfully between every rich bite. This dish doesn’t just occupy space on the table; it demands your attention with its inviting scent and visual appeal, making it hard to resist reaching for a serving.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make The Best Green Bean Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
The Best Green Bean Casserole

Growing up, there was always an alchemy of culinary magic happening during family holidays, and this green bean casserole was a dish my grandmother insisted on preparing each year. Her version evoked nostalgia and joy, and now I find myself sharing it with my own loved ones, creating new stories around the dinner table. As the holidays approach, there’s no better time to embrace this classic recipe for The Best Green Bean Casserole—and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Why not roll up your sleeves and whip up this creamy, crunchy delight?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Takes just 5 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to bake, making it a breeze for any occasion.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with creamy goodness and the delicious crunch of fried onions, making it the star of any meal.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The contrast of green beans and crispy onions creates a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or just a cozy family dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be tailored easily for gluten-free or vegan diets by substituting the cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz): Used for creaminess and flavor—let’s stick with the classic can for the best results, unless you’re feeling adventurous with homemade versions.
3/4 cup whole milk: Adds richness to the sauce. If you need a lighter option, almond milk can work too!
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce: Just a splash to deepen the umami flavors. Tamari is a great alternative for gluten-free diets.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A sprinkle for added depth; freshly ground provides the best flavor.
2 cans green beans, drained (14.5 oz each): Canned green beans give you that tender, ready-to-go convenience, or use fresh or frozen if you prefer.
1 1/2 cup French’s crispy fried onions (divided): The crowning touch for crunch! Store-brand options can be used if in a pinch.

How to Make The Best Green Bean Casserole

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While that’s heating up, grab your favorite baking dish—9×13 inches is perfect for this recipe. It’s crucial to ensure your dish is ready for those mouthwatering layers of flavor you’re about to assemble.

Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and whole milk until it’s smooth with no lumps. It’s like a creamy canvas for all those delicious flavors. Add in the soy sauce and black pepper, whisking it all together until you can almost smell it coming to life. Just imagine how fantastic the aroma will be!

Add the Green Beans: Drain your green beans well and fold them gently into the soup mixture. You want to coat each bean evenly with that luscious, creamy goodness. Take a moment to savor how vibrant everything looks before adding the next component.

Incorporate the Crunch: Now, fold in half a cup of the crispy fried onions into your mixture. This is where the magic begins! The onions provide a sweet crunch that complements the creamy beans. Be gentle to keep the onions intact, preserving that desired crunchiness.

Bake Until Bubbly: Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and it feels warm throughout. The anticipation should be building by now!

Add More Onions: After 30 minutes, give the casserole a good stir to mix the layers. Then, sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top. This is what makes it irresistible! Pop it back into the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until those onions are golden brown and crunchy—absolutely heavenly!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover The Best Green Bean Casserole can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours. When refrigerating, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, where it will last for about three to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze this casserole for up to three months; just be sure to use a freezer-safe dish. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through—this will help to keep the texture and flavors intact, though some crunch may soften.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid the common pitfall of overcooking by keeping a close eye on your casserole in the oven; it can go from golden to overdone quickly.
Use room temperature milk for a smoother blend with the soup—it ensures no lumps!
If your green beans are fresh or frozen, consider blanching them first to ensure they’re tender and ready to absorb all that creamy goodness.
For an elevated flavor, try adding sautéed shallots or garlic to the mixture for an extra layer of taste.
Make it ahead! Prep the casserole a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

The creamy richness and crunchy texture of The Best Green Bean Casserole make it a dish worth sharing and savoring. It combines simplicity and nostalgia in each bite, and who doesn’t love a classic with a twist? So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, or prepare it for family dinner night, and watch as smiles bloom with every serving. There’s something truly special about this dish that connects us all.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh green beans, go ahead and use them. Just make sure to blanch them for a few minutes in boiling water until they’re slightly tender before mixing them into the casserole. This will help ensure they cook thoroughly in the oven without becoming mushy.

Can I make this green bean casserole dairy-free?

Yes! To make a dairy-free version of The Best Green Bean Casserole, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative (like a vegan cream soup or a homemade version using blended mushrooms and coconut cream) and use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk.

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?

Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days when kept in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it up for the best freshness.

Can I prepare this dish a day in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and when you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven, maybe adding an extra few minutes to baking time to ensure it heats through completely. It’s a great time-saver for busy holiday meals!

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The Best Green Bean Casserole

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the delicious blend of creamy mushroom soup and crisp fried onions in this easy Green Bean Casserole. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cans green beans, drained (14.5 oz each)
1 1/2 cup French's crispy fried onions (divided)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and whole milk until smooth.
Add soy sauce and black pepper, mixing well.
Drain green beans and fold them into the soup mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
Incorporate half a cup of crispy fried onions into the mixture gently.
Pour mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, stir, top with remaining crispy fried onions, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use room temperature milk for a smoother blend with the soup.
For fresh green beans, blanch them briefly before using to ensure tenderness.
Prepare a day in advance and bake just before serving.