Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday side dish—green bean casserole! This dish is such a staple in my family, and I can’t imagine Thanksgiving or Christmas without it. The moment that creamy, savory goodness hits the table, it feels like home. The combination of tender green beans smothered in a rich cream of mushroom sauce and topped with those crispy fried onions? Wow, it’s pure comfort food! I love how this casserole brings everyone together, filling the room with that delicious aroma. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll want to whip it up year-round, not just for the holidays! Trust me, once you try this green bean casserole, you’ll be hooked on its delightful flavors and cozy vibes!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect green bean casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure your green beans are trimmed and ready to go—this little step makes a big difference! And using a can of cream of mushroom soup will save you time while still delivering that rich flavor we all love. Oh, and don’t forget to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste; it’s all about that perfect balance!
How to Prepare Green Bean Casserole
Now, let’s dive into making this delightful green bean casserole! It’s super straightforward, and I promise, the end result is absolutely worth it. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake your casserole!
Blanch the Green Beans
Next, grab those fresh green beans and blanch them. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil and toss in the green beans for about 5 minutes. This quick step helps to keep them tender yet crisp. After 5 minutes, drain them well and set them aside.
Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture is what makes the casserole so delicious!
Combine Green Beans and Sauce
Now it’s time to add the blanched green beans to the bowl. Stir them into the creamy sauce until every bean is nicely coated. You want that flavor to seep into every bite!
Bake the Casserole
Transfer the green bean and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Top it off with half of those crispy fried onions—trust me, this adds a fantastic crunch! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes.
Add the Final Touch
After 25 minutes, take the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. This will give it that gorgeous golden brown finish! Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes, and let that delicious aroma fill your kitchen.
Tips for Success
To make sure your green bean casserole turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, always opt for fresh green beans if you can—they have a much better texture and flavor compared to frozen ones. If you do go the frozen route, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using. Also, don’t skimp on the seasoning! A pinch of salt and pepper can elevate the whole dish, so taste as you go. Oh, and if you want an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or some grated cheese into the sauce. Lastly, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking; it helps everything set nicely and makes for easier serving. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a delicious green bean casserole, it’s always nice to know what you’re getting in terms of nutrition, right? Here’s an estimated breakdown for a typical serving of this comforting dish. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This casserole is not just a holiday favorite; it’s also a vegetarian-friendly side that packs a nice punch of flavor without being too heavy. So, go ahead and indulge a little—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about green bean casserole is that you can prepare it in advance. Just follow all the steps up to the baking part, then cover it and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake it as directed! This way, you can enjoy more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen during the holidays.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re looking for alternatives to cream of mushroom soup, you’ve got options! You can use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if you’re not strictly vegetarian. For a homemade touch, try making a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and vegetable broth, then mix in some sautéed mushrooms for that great flavor. There are also some fantastic dairy-free options available in stores if you’re looking to keep it plant-based!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for beginner cooks or anyone short on time!
- The comforting flavors of creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onions make it a family favorite.
- This green bean casserole is a timeless holiday classic that brings everyone together.
- It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with any main course.
- You can make it ahead of time, so you have more time to enjoy the festivities!
- It uses simple, accessible ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- The combination of textures—from tender green beans to crunchy fried onions—keeps every bite exciting.
- It’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for guests with dietary restrictions.
- This recipe can easily be adapted for different tastes, so feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious green bean casserole, you might have some leftovers—lucky you! Proper storage is key to keeping that comforting flavor intact. Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, so you can savor those tasty bites for a bit longer!
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is super simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish if it’s not already. Cover it with foil to help retain moisture and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If you want to restore that crispy onion topping, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of heating. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! And if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out. Enjoy your leftovers as if they were freshly made—you deserve it!
Drucken
Green bean casserole: 7 tips for a perfect dish
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A classic green bean casserole featuring tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onion topping.
Zutaten
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Add the green beans to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with half of the crispy fried onions.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen green beans.
- For a lighter version, substitute with low-fat soup.
- Make ahead and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 500mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1.5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 24g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday recipe, side dish
