The Creamiest Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe Ever Made

Reinventing the classic green bean casserole brings nostalgia and comfort to your dinner table.

Crispy golden edges hint at the delightful crunch waiting inside.

Generations have loved this hearty side dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Creamy mushroom sauce coats tender green beans with rich, savory goodness.

Topped with perfectly browned crispy onions, this recipe promises a delectable experience.

Familiar yet exciting, the dish connects memories with fresh culinary moments.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with every single bite.

Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

• Reminisce about family gatherings and holiday traditions with this timeless dish that brings warmth and familiar flavors to the table.
• Complement any main course with this easy-to-make green bean casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a delectable accompaniment for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
• Delight kids and adults alike with the creamy sauce and crispy onion topping that makes vegetables irresistibly tasty and enjoyable for the whole family.

Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh green beans that form the core of this classic casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that provides rich flavor and binding for the casserole.
• Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and savory umami flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Crispy Onions: Crunchy topping that adds texture and golden brown color to the casserole.

How to Make Classic Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

Toss in your fresh green beans and let them dance in the hot water for 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender.

Quickly transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in their vibrant color.

Drain the beans thoroughly and set them aside.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and looks totally irresistible.

Step 3: Build Your Casserole Magic

Spread the blanched green beans evenly in a baking dish.

Pour the creamy sauce over the beans and gently stir to make sure every single bean gets coated in that delicious mixture.

Sprinkle a generous layer of crispy onions across the top.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Let it bake for 25 minutes until it’s bubbling and looking amazing.

Pull it out, add another layer of crispy onions, and pop it back in the oven for 10 more minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Tips for Perfect Green Bean Casserole

• Boil green beans exactly 3-4 minutes to maintain crisp texture and vibrant green color without overcooking.
• Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a silky, even coating.
• Reserve half the crispy onions for the final 10 minutes of baking to ensure maximum crispiness and golden-brown perfection.
• Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for a lactose-free version.
• Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

Storing and Reheating Green Bean Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the casserole's flavor.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing crispy onion topping.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, then uncover and sprinkle fresh crispy onions on top for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Green Bean Casserole

• Pair Perfectly with Wine: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy mushroom sauce and cut through the richness of the casserole.
• Protein Partner: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken to create a balanced and satisfying meal that highlights the green bean casserole's classic flavors.
• Rustic Side Companions: Add roasted garlic mashed potatoes or wild rice pilaf to round out the plate, providing additional texture and depth to the overall dining experience.
• Bright Salad Balance: Include a light, tangy mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate and contrast the casserole's creamy, comforting elements.

Variations on Green Bean Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use coconut cream instead of traditional cream of mushroom soup. Swap crispy onions for dairy-free breadcrumb topping.
• Gluten-Free Green Bean Bake: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, substitute regular crispy onions with gluten-free onion straws, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Vegetable Casserole: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cashew cream sauce, use plant-based milk, and top with nutritional yeast and crushed roasted almonds instead of crispy onions.
• Low-Sodium Option: Make homemade mushroom sauce using fresh mushrooms, reduce soy sauce, and season with herbs like thyme and rosemary for added flavor without extra salt.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw and drain them completely before using, and reduce blanching time or skip it altogether.

• What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with cream of celery soup or make a homemade white sauce with mushrooms for a similar creamy texture.

• How do I prevent the onions from burning?

Place the casserole on a middle oven rack and watch closely during the final 10 minutes of baking. If onions brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

The traditional recipe is not vegetarian due to cream of mushroom soup. Look for vegetarian cream soup or make a homemade mushroom sauce to create a vegetarian version.

Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic green bean casserole, blending crisp vegetables with creamy mushroom sauce and golden crispy onions. Home cooks and holiday gatherings will love this simple, delicious side dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh green beans, trimmed

Sauce and Liquid Components:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Garnish and Seasoning:

• 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cleanse green beans thoroughly, then submerge in rapidly boiling water for 3-4 minutes until vibrant and crisp-tender.
2. Immediately transfer beans to an ice water bath to halt cooking process and preserve bright green color.
3. Drain beans completely, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
4. In a spacious mixing vessel, whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk, creating a silky, uniform sauce.
5. Incorporate soy sauce, seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper to enhance flavor profile.
6. Transfer drained green beans into a ceramic baking dish, spreading evenly across surface.
7. Gently cascade sauce over beans, carefully folding to ensure comprehensive coating.
8. Sprinkle initial layer of crispy onions across casserole’s surface.
9. Position dish in preheated oven at 350°F, allowing flavors to meld for 25 minutes.
10. Remove casserole, crown with remaining crispy onions for extra crunch.
11. Return to oven, baking uncovered for additional 10 minutes until onions transform into golden, irresistible topping.
12. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let ingredients settle and flavors intensify.

Notes

• Use crisp, fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor punch.
• Blanch beans precisely to maintain their vibrant green color and slight crunch.
• Consider low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt levels for health-conscious eaters.
• Transform this classic dish gluten-free by using alternative crispy onions and checking soup ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg