Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green bean casserole is a classic dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table. Whether it's a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, this dish never fails to please. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this traditional green bean casserole recipe will take you through a delightful culinary journey. Ready to create a casserole that everyone will rave about? Let’s dive right in!

this Recipe

What is a “Traditional Green Bean Casserole”?

A traditional green bean casserole is an American classic typically made with tender green beans, creamy condensed mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It’s a dish that offers contrasting textures and layers of flavor. The beans are cooked just right, the mushroom soup adds richness, and the fried onions give it a crunchy finish that ties everything together. The best part? It’s super easy to prepare and a staple on Thanksgiving tables across the country.

Ingredients List for Traditional Green Bean Casserole

Before we get started with the actual cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Make sure you gather everything so that the preparation runs smoothly. Here's what you'll need:

• 4 cups of green beans, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces (You can use thawed frozen beans, canned beans, or steamed fresh beans. Two 14-oz commercial cans will work if you want to go that route.)
• 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz) - I recommend using a low-sodium and fat-free option, but feel free to go with your preferred brand.
• 2-3 cups of cheddar cheese, divided (Cheddar adds a rich, sharp flavor to the casserole. You’ll be adding this in stages for an extra cheesy kick.)
• 2 cloves of garlic, pressed or minced (Fresh garlic adds a subtle pungency to the dish that balances the creamy richness.)
• 2 teaspoons of onion powder (This enhances the onion flavor throughout the dish.)
• 10 oz of cheddar-flavored French fried onions (This adds a crispy, cheesy finish that makes this dish irresistible.)

These simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Now, let’s look at how you can customize this dish to suit your taste.

Substitutions and Variations

While the traditional green bean casserole recipe is perfect as it is, you may want to tweak it to suit your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can make:

1. Green Beans: You can choose between fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. Fresh green beans provide a slightly firmer texture, while canned beans are soft and require no extra preparation. If you use fresh green beans, steam or blanch them before incorporating them into the dish.
2. Mushroom Soup: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or have dietary restrictions, you can replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut milk.
3. Cheddar Cheese: If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can opt for reduced-fat cheddar or swap it out with mozzarella or Swiss cheese. For a vegan option, go with plant-based cheese.
4. Garlic & Onion Powder: If you don’t have fresh garlic or onion powder on hand, sautéed onions can be used as an alternative. This will add a caramelized flavor to the casserole.
5. French Fried Onions: Feel free to experiment with plain or other flavored fried onions if you can’t find the cheddar-flavored variety. For a gluten-free option, make your own crispy onions using gluten-free flour.

Once you have your preferred substitutions or variations, you're ready to move on to the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready and we’ve talked about possible substitutions, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s how to make a delicious traditional green bean casserole in just a few easy steps.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and gets the perfect golden-brown crust on top.

2. Prepare the Green Beans

If you're using fresh green beans, make sure to steam or blanch them beforehand. For canned or frozen green beans, simply drain and rinse them. Once prepared, cut the beans into bite-sized pieces.

3. Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, pressed garlic, onion powder, and 1-2 cups of cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the green beans are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

4. Add to the Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that the beans are distributed across the dish.

5. Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle an additional ½ cup to 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt and bubble.

6. Add French Fried Onions

After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the cheddar-flavored French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions are crispy and golden.

7. Let It Rest

Once the casserole is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.

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

Cooking a traditional green bean casserole is a straightforward process, but to ensure that everything turns out perfectly, let’s recap the important steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare your green beans by steaming, blanching, or draining them.
3. Mix the green beans with condensed mushroom soup, garlic, onion powder, and cheese.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with more cheese.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, then top with fried onions and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Now that you know how to cook this dish, let’s address common pitfalls to avoid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to make sure your green bean casserole turns out perfect every time:

• Using unseasoned green beans: Make sure your beans are seasoned well. If they are bland before you add them to the casserole, the entire dish will be lacking in flavor. Salt the beans after blanching or draining them.
• Overcooking the green beans: Fresh green beans should be slightly firm (al dente) before baking. Overcooking them beforehand will result in a mushy texture.
• Not letting the casserole rest: Allow the casserole to sit for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This step helps the creamy sauce thicken and set properly.
• Skipping the extra cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! Adding cheese to the casserole adds extra richness and a layer of gooey goodness.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation and serving can elevate this dish from simple to stunning. Here's how to serve and present your traditional green bean casserole with flair:

How to Serve Traditional Green Bean Casserole

Serve this casserole as a side dish at your holiday meal or any family dinner. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken, making it a great addition to any table. Use a spatula to serve generous portions, ensuring that each serving has both creamy green beans and a crunchy topping of fried onions.

Presentation Ideas for Traditional Green Bean Casserole

• Add a Pop of Color: Garnish the top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme after it’s baked. This will add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Use a Decorative Dish: Bake your casserole in a beautiful, oven-safe dish that you can bring straight to the table. A ceramic or glass dish with handles works great for this.
• Family Style Serving: Serve your green bean casserole family-style by placing it at the center of the table so that everyone can help themselves.

Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole and refrigerate it without the fried onions. When you're ready to serve, top it with the onions and bake.
• Reheating: To reheat leftovers, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh green beans for this recipe?

Yes, fresh green beans work perfectly. Just be sure to steam or blanch them before mixing them into the casserole to ensure they are tender.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free fried onions.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it, but leave off the fried onions until you're ready to bake. Add the onions after defrosting and bake as directed.

How long can I store leftovers?

Green bean casserole will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

There you have it—a tried-and-true traditional green bean casserole recipe that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or any special occasion. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a dish that’s full of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy topping that everyone loves. Ready to impress your guests? Get in the kitchen and whip up this delightful casserole today!

Print