This classic green bean casserole is a holiday favorite. Our easy steps will help you make it quickly. It has tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. It’s the best side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special day.
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Why This Classic Green Bean Casserole Will Become Your Go-To Holiday Side Dish
Green bean casserole is a classic for Thanksgiving and other special days. It’s loved for its taste and meets all the holiday side dish criteria. It’s perfect for special occasions, quick and simple to prepare, and budget-friendly.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Green bean casserole is a staple at Thanksgiving but also great for Christmas, Easter, and more. Its creamy flavors and cozy texture make it a hit with everyone. It pairs well with the main dish, too.
Quick and Simple Preparation
Making this casserole is easy, needing just 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to bake. Even when you’re busy, you can still make this side dish. It leaves you more time for the main event.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
The best part about green bean casserole is its affordable ingredients. You’ll need canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions. These ingredients make a tasty dish that’s also kind to your wallet. It’s perfect for big holiday meals.
“Green bean casserole is a must-have side dish for any holiday gathering. It’s easy to make, uses budget-friendly ingredients, and always leaves your guests asking for seconds.”
Essential Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole
To make the perfect green bean casserole, you need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need 2 lbs of fresh green beans or 4 cups of frozen or canned green beans. For the creamy mushroom sauce, you’ll need 12 ounces of chopped white button mushrooms, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream.
To add crunch and flavor, you’ll need a 6-ounce package of French’s fried onions. Don’t forget to season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a few dashes of soy sauce or seasoned salt.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Beans | 2 lbs fresh or 4 cups frozen/canned |
| Mushrooms | 12 oz white button, chopped |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons unsalted |
| Flour | 1/4 cup all-purpose |
| Chicken Broth | 1 1/2 cups low-sodium |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Fried Onions | 6 oz package French’s |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon kosher |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon black |
| Cheese (optional) | 1/2 cup shredded cheddar |
| Seasoning (optional) | Soy sauce or seasoned salt |
With these essential ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious green bean casserole. It’s perfect for any holiday or special occasion.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the classic green bean casserole, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. A 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking pan works best. Also, use non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
You’ll also need a large mixing bowl for mixing the ingredients. A colander is handy for draining the green beans. A whisk is great for mixing the sauce, making it smooth and creamy.
Recommended Baking Dishes
- 2-quart casserole dish
- 9×13-inch baking pan
Optional Kitchen Accessories
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander
- Whisk
With these tools and equipment, you’re ready to make a tasty green bean casserole. It will surely impress your family and friends.
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 2-quart casserole dish or 9×13-inch baking pan | Baking the green bean casserole |
| Non-stick cooking spray | Preventing sticking and easing cleanup |
| Large mixing bowl | Combining the ingredients |
| Colander | Draining the cooked green beans |
| Whisk | Mixing the sauce for a smooth texture |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making the classic casserole recipe for a tasty baked dish is simple. Just follow this easy guide to make a delicious green bean casserole. It’s sure to wow your guests.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, and half of the crispy fried onions.
- Put the mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake the casserole recipe for 25-30 minutes. It should be bubbly around the edges and warm in the middle.
- Take the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle the rest of the crispy fried onions on top.
- Put it back in the oven for 5-10 more minutes. This will make the onions golden and crispy.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors mix well.
By following these steps, you’ll have a tasty green bean casserole ready. Enjoy your homemade casserole recipe and the classic baked dish flavors.
Tips for Perfect Green Bean Casserole
Making a great green bean casserole is all about the details. It doesn’t matter if you use canned, fresh, or frozen vegetables. What’s important is choosing the right ingredients and cooking them right.
Choosing the Right Green Beans
The quality of your green beans is crucial. While canned beans are easy, fresh or frozen vegetables taste better. If using fresh or frozen, parboil them until they’re tender but still crisp.
This step prevents them from getting mushy when baked.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
For the perfect casserole, focus on the sauce. Make sure it’s bubbly and thick before adding the fried onions. This way, the cooking tips are followed, and you get a creamy dish.
Timing Your Cooking
Timing is key for green bean casserole. Bake it until it’s hot and the onions are golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This resting time lets the flavors mix and the casserole set. You’ll get a delicious vegetables-based side dish every time.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Preparing the classic green bean casserole ahead of time can save you a lot of stress. It’s perfect for the busy holiday season. You can make it up to 48 hours before, giving you more time for other tasks. Just put it together, cover it, and refrigerate until baking time.
When it’s time to serve, add the crispy fried onion topping right before baking. This keeps the topping crispy and golden. Bake as the recipe says, and you’ll have a ready-to-go side dish.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, microwave portions or bake the whole dish. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months without the topping. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating and adding the fresh fried onions.
By using make-ahead and storage tips, you can meal prep this classic dish. Enjoy the leftovers all holiday season. With a bit of planning, the green bean casserole becomes easy and stress-free for your festive meals.
| Preparation Time | Refrigerator Storage | Freezer Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 48 hours | Up to 4 days | Up to 3 months |
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
The classic green bean casserole is a favorite at holidays. It’s important to know its nutrition facts and dietary information. This dish is tasty but has nutritional aspects to consider, especially for those with dietary needs.
Caloric Content
A serving of this casserole has about 180-558 calories. It’s made with green beans, butter, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and more. These ingredients make up the dish’s flavor and nutritional value.
Dietary Modifications
For dietary changes, consider the casserole’s high sodium and gluten content. Using low-sodium soup and milk can lower sodium. For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free alternatives are needed.
Those on low-sodium, low-fat, or vegan diets might need to adjust or find new recipes. Making these changes can make the dish more suitable for different dietary needs.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180-558 kcal | – |
| Total Fat | 7-39 g | 11-61% |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 24-44 g | 8-15% |
| Protein | 6-7 g | 12-14% |
| Sodium | 482-1168 mg | 21-49% |
| Vitamin A | 428 IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 7 mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1 mg | 6% |
Creative Variations and Add-ins
Why not try some new twists on the classic green bean casserole? You can add cheesy toppings or unique flavors to make it your own. This way, you can elevate this holiday favorite to new heights.
Adding 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top is a great idea. You can also add fried mushrooms or sautéed onions, garlic, and shallots for extra flavor.
For a healthier option, use fresh green beans and make your own mushroom sauce. Try different cream soups or add soy sauce for a savory twist.
For something different, add Middle Eastern spices like za’atar. It has thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac for a complex flavor. A little Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the taste.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun. Whether you want to make it healthier or just add your own touch, there are endless possibilities.
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Cheesy Topping | Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole before baking. |
| Fried Mushrooms | Sauté sliced mushrooms and sprinkle them over the top of the casserole. |
| Sautéed Aromatics | Sauté onions, garlic, and shallots and fold them into the casserole. |
| Homemade Sauce | Use fresh green beans and make a homemade mushroom sauce instead of canned soup. |
| Soy Sauce | Add a teaspoon of soy sauce to the casserole for an extra savory flavor. |
| Za’atar Spice | Sprinkle the Middle Eastern spice blend za’atar over the top of the casserole. |
| Worcestershire Sauce | Enhance the flavor profile with a dash of Worcestershire sauce. |
Green bean casserole is all about being creative. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make it your own. It’s a dish that can be tailored to your taste.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The classic green bean casserole is a versatile side dish. It pairs well with many holiday dinner mains. Whether it’s roast turkey, succulent ham, or juicy prime rib, this casserole is a hit at any holiday dinner.
To make a complete holiday menu, serve the green bean casserole with other classic sides. Try smooth mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and warm dinner rolls. For a full Thanksgiving meal, add savory stuffing, a decadent sweet potato casserole, and a rich pumpkin pie for dessert.
Holiday Menu Integration
The green bean casserole fits perfectly into any holiday dinner menu. Its rich, comforting flavors and textures go well with many main courses. It’s the ideal choice for your festive feast.
Complementary Side Dishes
- Mashed potatoes
- Cranberry sauce
- Dinner rolls
- Stuffing
- Sweet potato casserole
- Pumpkin pie
Pairing the green bean casserole with these classic side dishes creates a harmonious and appealing holiday spread. It will surely delight your guests.
Conclusion
The classic green bean casserole is a holiday favorite that never gets old. It’s loved for its creamy texture, crispy topping, and warm flavors. This dish is a crowd-pleaser at any special event.
It’s a comfort food and a holiday tradition that families cherish. It’s sure to be a hit at your family gatherings and festive meals.
Whether you use canned ingredients or fresh ones, making it is easy and can be done ahead of time. With a few tips, you can get the flavors and texture just right. This ensures your green bean casserole will be a success every time.
When planning your holiday menus, think about adding this classic dish. Its timeless appeal and ability to bring people together make it a special part of any holiday meal.
FAQ
How long does it take to prepare and bake this green bean casserole?
It takes less than 5 minutes to prepare. Then, it bakes for 30-35 minutes.
How many people does this recipe serve?
It serves 6-8 people. Great for holiday dinners and big gatherings.
What are the key ingredients in this green bean casserole?
You’ll need 2 cans of green beans, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 3/4 cup of milk, and 1 container of French fried onions.
What type of baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
Use a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Can this green bean casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to 48 hours in advance. Store it covered in the fridge. Add the crispy onion topping before baking.
How many calories and nutrients are in a serving of this green bean casserole?
One serving has about 180-558 calories. It has 7-39g fat, 24-44g carbs, and 6-7g protein. It’s also high in sodium, with 482-1168mg per serving.
Can this green bean casserole be customized or varied?
Yes, you can add shredded cheddar cheese, fried mushrooms, sautéed onions, garlic, or shallots. Try different cream soups or add a teaspoon of soy sauce for more flavor.
What dishes pair well with this green bean casserole for holiday meals?
It goes well with roast turkey, ham, or prime rib. Serve it with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls too.
