Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect dish to complete your holiday menu or a cozy family dinner? A Classic Green Bean Casserole is a timeless, crowd-pleasing side dish that combines creamy mushroom goodness, crunchy fried onions, and tender green beans in one delightful dish. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple yet full of flavor. Let’s explore the steps to make this all-time favorite, along with tips to elevate your version. Read on for the full recipe and ensure your green bean casserole stands out at your next gathering!

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What Is a "Classic Green Bean Casserole"?

A Classic Green Bean Casserole is an American comfort food traditionally served at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, although it can be enjoyed year-round. The dish was first created in the 1950s by Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell Soup Company employee, and quickly became a staple thanks to its simplicity, use of accessible ingredients, and delicious flavor. At its core, it consists of tender green beans mixed with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions, and baked until golden brown.

This recipe combines all the nostalgic elements of the original while adding a few twists for modern tastes. Let’s break it down.

Ingredients List for Classic Green Bean Casserole

Here's a breakdown of everything you need to create the Classic Green Bean Casserole recipe:

• 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 (10.5 oz.) can of cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ⅔ cups crispy fried onion strings, divided
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

These simple ingredients come together to create a rich, savory dish that’s sure to please.

Ingredients List Breakdown

Fresh Green Beans

Fresh green beans are the star of this casserole. They provide a vibrant color and satisfying texture. Trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. You can also use frozen or canned green beans if fresh is unavailable.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This is the base of the casserole's sauce. The soup adds a creamy texture and subtle mushroom flavor that complements the beans. You can also use a homemade mushroom sauce for a richer taste.

Milk

The milk helps thin out the mushroom soup, ensuring the sauce coats the green beans evenly. Whole milk works best, but you can substitute it with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative, depending on dietary preferences.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle depth of flavor to the casserole, offering a slightly tangy and savory note. It's optional, but highly recommended for a fuller flavor profile.

Black Pepper

Seasoning with black pepper gives the dish a touch of heat and enhances the overall flavor. You can adjust the amount to taste.

Crispy Fried Onion Strings

These provide the crunchy topping that makes this dish so beloved. They're mixed into the casserole and also sprinkled on top, adding both texture and a burst of flavor.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Cheese is not included in the original version, but adding sharp cheddar makes the casserole even more comforting and indulgent. It melts beautifully into the sauce for a cheesy twist that takes this classic dish to the next level.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe can be customized in many ways to suit dietary needs or personal tastes. Here are some options:

• Green Beans Substitution: You can use canned or frozen green beans in place of fresh. If using canned, drain and rinse them well to reduce the sodium content. For frozen beans, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before adding to the dish.
• Mushroom Soup Alternatives: If you want to make the dish vegetarian or control the ingredients, try making your own mushroom sauce using fresh mushrooms, cream, and broth. Alternatively, opt for a store-bought vegan mushroom soup.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk. Also, choose a dairy-free cheese to maintain the creaminess without the dairy.
• Onions: For a different topping, consider using panko breadcrumbs or French's fried jalapenos for a spicy twist.
• Add Protein: Some variations include adding bacon bits or sliced almonds for an extra texture and flavor boost.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients prepped, it’s time to make the casserole. Follow these easy steps to achieve the perfect Classic Green Bean Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole will bake evenly.

2. Cook the Green Beans

If you're using fresh green beans, boil them in salted water for about 5 minutes, or until they're tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. For frozen green beans, simply thaw and pat dry.

3. Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Stir until well-mixed.

4. Assemble the Casserole

In the bowl with the sauce, fold in the cooked green beans, 1 cup of fried onions, and cheddar cheese (if using). Mix everything together so the beans are evenly coated in the sauce.

5. Transfer to a Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

6. Add the Topping

Sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to portion out.

How to Cook a Classic Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of how to cook your Classic Green Bean Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cook fresh green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
3. Combine mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper.
4. Mix in green beans, 1 cup of crispy onions, and cheddar cheese.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining fried onions.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Cool for 5 minutes, then serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Green Beans: Cooking the beans too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender-crisp green beans.
• Soggy Casserole: Make sure the green beans are dry before adding them to the mixture to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
• Skipping the Cheese: While optional, adding cheese makes the casserole richer and more flavorful.
• Burning the Topping: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning the onions.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving your Classic Green Bean Casserole, presentation can make a big difference, especially for holiday dinners. Here are a few tips:

• Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Dish Choice: Serve the casserole in a ceramic baking dish to keep it warm longer and give a homier look.
• Family Style: For larger gatherings, serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, allowing guests to help themselves.

How to Serve Classic Green Bean Casserole

This dish pairs perfectly with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for a holiday meal. For a weeknight dinner, serve it alongside grilled chicken or baked pork chops.

Presentation Ideas for Classic Green Bean Casserole

For a visually appealing dish, consider:

• Individual Ramekins: Portion the casserole into small ramekins for personalized servings.
• Rustic Charm: Serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, home-cooked feel.

Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.
• Make it Crispy: Add extra onions during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra crunchy topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes! Just thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Look for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?

Yes, freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Conclusion

The Classic Green Bean Casserole is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're making it for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own! Now that you have all the steps and tips, it’s time to get cooking—your perfect green bean casserole awaits!

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