This Classic Green Bean Casserole is a warm, comforting dish made with fresh green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crunchy toppings. It’s perfect for family dinners!
I love how this casserole brings everyone to the table, especially with that crispy onion topping. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home, or at least it does for me! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are key for the crunch and bright color. If fresh isn’t available, frozen green beans can be a good substitute. They’re blanched before freezing, so you can use them straight from the bag without much prep.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and depth. If you’d like a healthier option, try using a homemade version with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and heavy cream. You can also find varieties that are low sodium or gluten-free in stores.
Milk: Whole milk is ideal for creaminess, but any milk will work. For a dairy-free option, you could substitute almond or oat milk; these will slightly change the flavor but can still taste great.
French Fried Onions: They add that delicious crunch! If you can’t find them, you could use crispy shallots or make your own by frying sliced onions in oil until golden.
Cheddar Cheese: This is optional, but adding cheese creates a rich flavor. Consider swapping it for mozzarella for a milder taste or leaving it out for a lighter dish.
How Do I Get the Green Beans Just Right?
Blanching is a great technique to keep your green beans bright and crisp. It involves boiling and then quickly cooling the beans to preserve their color and crunch. Here’s how:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until they’re a vibrant green and starting to soften.
- Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process.
- After a few minutes in the ice bath, drain the beans and set them aside. They’ll stay crisp and beautiful in your casserole!
How to Make Classic Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup French fried onions, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to prepare all the ingredients and then 35-40 minutes to bake. That’s around 50-55 minutes in total. It’s a simple dish that’s perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be ready for your casserole when it’s time to bake!
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the trimmed green beans. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. After that, drain the beans using a colander and set them aside. This process helps keep the green beans crisp and fresh!
3. Make the Sauce Mix:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This will be the delicious base for your casserole!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now, stir in the blanched green beans, half of the French fried onions, and the cheddar cheese if you’re using it. Keep mixing until the green beans are thoroughly coated in that wonderful sauce!
5. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer this gooey mixture into a 1.5-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This creates a nice base for baking.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. It should start smelling really good in your kitchen!
7. Add the Topping and Final Bake:
After the initial baking time, take it out and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions on top. Put it back in the oven to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the onions are golden brown and crunchy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will give the flavors a moment to settle. Enjoy your delicious classic green bean casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Absolutely! If using frozen green beans, there’s no need to blanch them. Just add them directly to the mixing bowl with the soup mixture. You may want to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure they’re heated through and tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the condensed cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative made from coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free milk in place of regular milk. For the cheese, opt for a non-dairy cheese product or simply omit it altogether!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just follow the recipe until the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the foil and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
