The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green bean casserole is a beloved classic, especially during the holidays. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or looking to add a comforting side dish to your weeknight dinners, this casserole is a must-try. Rich, creamy, and topped with crunchy fried onions, it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to make the best green bean casserole, along with answers to frequently asked questions about this delicious dish.

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What is Green Bean Casserole?

Green bean casserole is a baked dish made with fresh or canned green beans, a creamy sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions. Originally created in the 1950s, it has become a staple on many Thanksgiving tables. The blend of tender green beans with a flavorful sauce and crispy onions provides both comfort and nostalgia, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Green Bean Casserole

To make this delicious green bean casserole, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, rinsed, trimmed, and halved
• 2 Tablespoons butter, for sautéing the garlic and creating the base of the sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced, adding an aromatic element to the dish
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, used to thicken the creamy sauce
• ¾ cup chicken broth, to provide depth and flavor to the sauce
• 1 ¼ cups half-and-half or whole milk, which makes the sauce rich and creamy
• ½ teaspoon salt, to season the beans and sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, for a touch of heat and balance
• 1 cup French’s fried onions, for that signature crispy topping

Ingredients List for Green Bean Casserole Sauce

While the core ingredients of green bean casserole are listed above, the sauce is the star of the show. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients that make the sauce both creamy and flavorful:

• Butter: Adds richness to the dish and helps sauté the garlic.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a fragrant base.
• All-purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce without making it too heavy.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Half-and-half or Whole Milk: This creates a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the green beans beautifully.

Substitutions and Variations

If you need to adjust the recipe based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some popular substitutions and variations for green bean casserole:

• Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the casserole vegetarian-friendly.
• Vegan version: Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of half-and-half.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour as a thickening agent instead of all-purpose flour.
• Cheesy green bean casserole: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce for a cheesy twist. Top with grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Bacon addition: Fry up some bacon and crumble it into the sauce or sprinkle it over the top before adding the fried onions.
• Different toppings: Instead of French’s fried onions, try panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for a different crunch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making green bean casserole is simple, and with these step-by-step instructions, you'll have a perfect dish every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the optimal temperature before baking the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Drain them and immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the skillet with the garlic, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook the flour for about 1 minute to remove the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Add the Cream

Pour in the half-and-half or whole milk while stirring constantly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Combine Green Beans with Sauce

Remove the sauce from the heat and toss the cooked green beans into the skillet, making sure they are well-coated with the sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the green beans and sauce mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring all the green beans are covered with the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Add the Fried Onions

Sprinkle the French’s fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole for that irresistible crunchy finish.

Step 9: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the onions are golden brown.

Step 10: Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

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

Cooking green bean casserole is a straightforward process when broken down into manageable steps. Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have a delicious, creamy, and crispy dish ready to serve in no time:

1. Preheat the oven.
2. Blanch the green beans.
3. Sauté garlic in butter.
4. Create the sauce with flour, broth, and cream.
5. Combine the green beans with the sauce.
6. Top with crispy fried onions.
7. Bake until golden and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a recipe as simple as green bean casserole, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the green beans: Blanching is key, but don’t overcook the beans during this step, or they will turn mushy in the casserole.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can add a bitter flavor to the sauce if not watched closely.
• Using too much flour: Adding too much flour to the sauce can make it overly thick and heavy.
• Skipping the ice bath: If you don’t cool the green beans after blanching, they will continue to cook, which can affect the texture.
• Under-seasoning: Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed to avoid a bland casserole.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your green bean casserole can elevate its appeal. Here are a few tips for both serving and presentation:

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is best served warm as a side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course when paired with grains or a protein. Serve it alongside roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or stuffing for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Casserole

For a more elegant presentation, transfer the green bean casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This makes for a visually appealing and portion-controlled serving option. You can also garnish the top with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-ahead option: Assemble the casserole without the fried onion topping and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the fried onions just before baking.
• Double the recipe: Feeding a larger crowd? Double the recipe and bake in a larger dish.
• Freeze leftovers: If you have leftovers, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned green beans if you're short on time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before using. Keep in mind that fresh green beans will provide a better texture.

Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance without the fried onions. Store it in the refrigerator, and add the onions just before baking.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?

Yes, green bean casserole can be frozen. After baking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat green bean casserole?

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. If the fried onions become soft, you can add fresh onions on top before reheating.

Is there a way to make green bean casserole healthier?

To make the dish lighter, use low-fat milk instead of half-and-half, and reduce the amount of butter. You can also try baking your own onions instead of using pre-made fried ones.

Conclusion

Green bean casserole is the perfect combination of tender vegetables, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With the substitutions, variations, and tips provided, you can customize it to suit your needs and preferences. Follow this guide, and you’ll be serving up the best green bean casserole that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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