Green bean casserole is a beloved classic that combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crunchy toppings for a comforting dish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, this versatile recipe can be customized to suit your taste. Join us as we explore various recipes and tips to make the best green bean casserole that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic green bean casserole:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– ½ cup milk
– 1 cup French fried onions
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/6 of the recipe) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 3g
– Fat: 7g
– Carbohydrates: 19g
– Fiber: 3g
Please note that these values are estimated for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans, then blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Drain the green beans and set them aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Add the soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the soup mixture.
- Stir in the blanched green beans until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the French fried onions on top of the green bean mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, stir gently, and top with the remaining French fried onions.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute fresh green beans with frozen or canned green beans for convenience. If you prefer a lighter version, consider using low-fat soup and milk. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free fried onions.
Serving and Pairings
Green bean casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or grilled chicken. It also complements mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for a complete holiday meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in individual portions. This casserole can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the green beans can lead to mushy texture.
- Using too much salt can overpower the dish.
- Forgetting to stir the casserole before baking can result in uneven cooking.
- Not greasing the baking dish can cause sticking.
- Using low-quality fried onions can affect the flavor.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder to the soup mixture.
- Top with grated cheese for a richer taste.
- Experiment with different types of beans for a twist.
- Make it ahead of time and bake just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a great substitute and save time. Just add them to the casserole without thawing, but adjust cooking time as needed.
How can I make it vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is meat-free and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day before and store it in the fridge. Just add the fried onions before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use homemade cream sauce or other creamy soups like cream of celery or cream of chicken for different flavors.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Green bean casserole is a timeless dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. With its creamy texture and crispy topping, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Try these recipes and tips to make your version stand out, and enjoy the deliciousness with your loved ones!
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans, then blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Drain the green beans and set them aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Add the soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the soup mixture.
- Stir in the blanched green beans until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the French fried onions on top of the green bean mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, stir gently, and top with the remaining French fried onions.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
