This Best Green Bean Casserole is a cozy side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts. It combines fresh green beans, creamy soup, and crunchy fried onions!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up! I love seeing everyone’s smiles when they dig in. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😊 Just make sure to save some for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star here! They give a great crunch. If you can’t find fresh, frozen green beans work too; just make sure they’re thawed and drained.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is what gives the casserole its creaminess. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use a low-sodium version or even make your own from scratch. For a non-dairy option, try a plant-based cream soup!
Whole Milk: This adds richness. If you’re lactose intolerant, almond milk or coconut milk can be good substitutions. Just be cautious of the flavors; unsweetened varieties are best.
Fried Onions: They add a great crunch. If you want a healthier alternative, try homemade crispy onions made from roasted shallots or even breadcrumbs seasoned with herbs.
Cheddar Cheese: This is optional but adds a delicious layer of flavor. If you want to keep it dairy-free, there are several plant-based cheeses available!
How Do You Get the Green Beans Just Right?
Blanching the green beans is crucial to achieving that perfect texture. It brightens their color and keeps them crunchy. Here’s how:
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Add the trimmed green beans and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
- Immediately drain the beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them tender-crisp!
By following these steps, your green beans will hold their vibrant color and delightful crunch in the casserole!
Best Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (divided)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Green Bean Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. You’ll spend some time blanching the green beans and mixing everything together, then just let it bake and get crispy and golden. Perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole will bake evenly and get that nice golden top.
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and let them cook for about 5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp! Drain the beans in a colander and set them aside. It’s important to stop the cooking process, so you can also place them in a bowl of ice water for a minute!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and half of the crispy fried onions. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Combine the Green Beans:
Gently fold the blanched green beans into the soup mixture. Make sure every bean is coated with the creamy goodness!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a greased 1.5-quart baking dish. If you love cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for some extra flavor!
6. Bake Uncovered:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the cheese (if added) to melt nicely.
7. Add the Crispy Onions:
After 25 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle on the remaining crispy fried onions. They’ll add that extra crunch we all love!
8. Final Bake:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s a comforting, creamy, and crispy delight that everyone will love!
Can I Use Canned Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! If you’re using canned green beans, drain them well and skip the blanching step. Just mix them directly into the cream sauce before baking.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative, and use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk. For cheese, try a dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Add a few extra crispy fried onions on top for that crunch!
