The Best Ever Green Bean Casserole! Imagine a dish that combines the crispiness of fresh green beans with a creamy sauce and a crunchy topping, all baked to golden perfection. Tomato Mozzarella Potato Gratin The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone wondering what culinary magic you’ve conjured up this time. Spicy Italian Crescent Ring.
Picture this: family gathered around the table, laughter fills the air, and someone dramatically declares that this is “the best ever green bean casserole!” You smile knowingly because you’re the genius behind it. Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to steal the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for The Best Ever Green Bean Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare even on busy days
- With its rich, savory flavors and delightful textures, it’s sure to please everyone at your table
- Visually appealing with its vibrant green color and crispy topping, it adds a festive touch to any meal
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair beautifully with almost any main course
I remember the first time I made this green bean casserole; my kids declared it a “vegetable miracle.” They couldn’t believe something so delicious could come from green beans! For more inspiration, check out this Country Ranch Green Beans recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Green Beans: Opt for bright green beans that snap when bent for freshness.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess; feel free to use homemade or store-bought.
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Milk: Whole milk will give your casserole a richer texture.
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French Fried Onions: These crispy delights are essential for that perfect topping crunch.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all those wonderful flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Oven and Beans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, wash and trim the fresh green beans until they are nice and crisp.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste for that extra zing.
Add Green Beans: Toss in those freshly trimmed green beans into your creamy mixture. Stir gently until every bean is coated in that luscious sauce. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Vegetable Soup recipe.
Top with Fried Onions: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the French fried onions over the top for crunch before popping it into the oven.
Bake Away!: Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Add More Crunch!: Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining fried onions on top before returning it back to bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let those onions get delightfully crispy!
Enjoy serving The Best Ever Green Bean Casserole hot from the oven, letting everyone dig into its creamy goodness topped with crunchy onion bliss!
You Must Know
- The Best Ever Green Bean Casserole is a comfort food classic that brings warmth to any gathering
- It’s easy to make and even easier to love, offering a delightful crunch combined with creamy goodness, perfect for holidays or everyday dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by blanching the green beans until vibrant and tender-crisp. While they cool, prepare your creamy sauce and layer everything together before baking for a bubbly finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize by adding crispy bacon bits for flavor, swapping in fresh herbs like thyme, or using different cheese types for extra creaminess. Let your creativity shine!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, avoiding sogginess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh green beans for crunch; frozen can turn mushy if overcooked
- Toast your onion topping separately for extra crispiness that adds texture
- For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the creamy mixture
The first time I made this casserole, my family devoured it within minutes! They even asked for seconds before I’d barely finished serving everyone.
FAQ
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
Canned beans can be used but may result in a softer texture overall.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
Homemade white sauce or other cream-based soups can work well as replacements.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch in your creamy sauce for a tasty option.
The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the creamy, crunchy delight of the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole. This irresistible side dish combines fresh green beans with a rich cream of mushroom sauce and a crispy fried onion topping, creating a comforting classic perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. With its vibrant colors and delightful textures, this casserole is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup French fried onions (divided)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and trim the fresh green beans.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the green beans to the creamy mixture, stirring until well coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and sprinkle half of the French fried onions on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven, top with remaining fried onions, and bake for an additional 10 minutes for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
