green bean casserole recipe

While you might associate green bean casserole with festive gatherings, its comforting flavors can elevate any meal throughout the year. This dish combines simplicity with a touch of nostalgia, making it a staple in many households. If you've ever wondered how to achieve that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, you're not alone. There's more to this classic recipe than meets the eye, and exploring the variations can lead to delightful surprises for your next culinary endeavor.

Key Takeaways

  • Combine 1 lb of green beans, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and ½ cup of milk in a large mixing bowl.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
  • Mix in 1.5 cups of French fried onions, reserving some for the topping.
  • Bake the mixture in a greased casserole dish for 30 minutes, adding reserved onions in the last 5 minutes.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving for improved texture.

History

historical events and narratives

Although you might think of green bean casserole as a timeless holiday classic, it actually has a relatively recent origin. Created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist at the Campbell Soup Company, this dish was intended to promote their cream of mushroom soup.

Originally named "Green Bean Bake," it quickly gained traction through Campbell's promotional materials, becoming a staple at Thanksgiving dinners across the United States.

The casserole combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French fried onions, creating a creamy, crunchy family favorite. Over the years, people have added variations like cheese and bacon, catering to personal tastes.

Today, green bean casserole remains a beloved side dish at holiday meals, symbolizing tradition and togetherness.

Recipe

cooking instructions for dish

Green bean casserole is a beloved classic dish that has become a staple at holiday gatherings and family meals. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crunchy topping make it a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both young and old. The dish isn't only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for potlucks or busy weeknight dinners.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting side that complements a variety of main courses. To make the best green bean casserole, you'll want to use fresh or frozen green beans for that vibrant color and crisp texture. The combination of cream of mushroom soup and fried onions provides a rich and creamy base, while the addition of milk helps to achieve the perfect consistency.

Whether you choose to follow the classic recipe or add your own twist, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb green beans
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1.5 cups French fried onions

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk, stirring until well mixed.

Transfer this mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

Extra Tips:

Feel free to customize your green bean casserole by adding cooked bacon or shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer a different taste, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup, which will alter the flavor profile slightly but still keep it delicious.

For those planning ahead, this casserole can be assembled a day in advance; just cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

Cooking Steps

cooking step by step instructions

To get started on your green bean casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Next, mix together the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk in a large bowl.

Once combined, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it with crispy onions, and you're ready to bake!

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

preheat oven to 350 f

Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is essential for achieving the perfect green bean casserole. This temperature ensures even cooking and helps your casserole develop that desired bubbly and golden brown texture.

Before you start, let the oven reach 350°F for at least 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial, as a preheated oven allows your recipe to bake properly, enhancing both flavor and texture.

If you're unsure whether your oven is accurate, consider using an oven thermometer to verify the temperature.

Once the oven is preheated, you'll be ready to place your baking dish inside, setting the stage for a delicious green bean casserole that everyone will enjoy.

Step 2. Add Green Beans and Soup

add green beans soup

Once your oven is ready, it's time to prepare the green bean and soup mixture. Start by draining and rinsing 4 cups of canned green beans or boil 1 lb of fresh green beans in salted water for about 4 minutes.

After that, cool them in an ice bath for the best texture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared green beans with 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup and ½ cup of milk, mixing thoroughly.

If you want an extra flavor kick, you can add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Once combined, pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.

Finally, top with 2/3 cup of French fried onions before baking in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

Step 3. Top With Crispy Onions

crispy onions for garnish

Adding crispy onions is a crucial step in achieving that perfect texture for your green bean casserole.

First, mix 1.5 cups of French fried onions into the casserole with fresh green beans and cream of mushroom soup. Make sure the fried onions are evenly distributed to promote a uniform crispy topping during the baking process.

Reserve some fried onions to sprinkle on top during the last 5 minutes for extra crunch. Keep a close eye on the casserole, as the onions can burn quickly.

For variations, you might try homemade crispy shallots or toasted breadcrumbs for different flavors and textures.

Once done, let the casserole rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Step 4. Bake for 30 Minutes

bake for thirty minutes

To bake your green bean casserole, start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Once everything's mixed and ready, place your casserole in the oven. You'll want to bake for 30 minutes, keeping an eye out for that hot and bubbly texture—this indicates it's nearly done.

During the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top to achieve an extra crunchy finish. This step enhances the flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the creamy mixture of canned green beans and cream of mushroom.

Once the timer goes off, take it out and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully, making your casserole even more delicious.

Step 5. Let Cool Before Serving

allow to cool down

After your green bean casserole has baked to perfection, it's important to let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set properly, ensuring a better texture when you scoop it onto plates.

Letting the casserole cool slightly also helps prevent burns from the steaming hot ingredients, making it safer to serve. Additionally, this time allows the sauce to thicken, improving the overall consistency and mouthfeel.

For an appealing presentation, cover the casserole with foil while it cools; this keeps it warm and prevents it from drying out. Trust me, a little patience goes a long way in enhancing your casserole experience!

Final Thoughts

reflecting on key insights

While green bean casserole often takes center stage at holiday meals, its versatility makes it a dish you can enjoy year-round.

This creamy casserole, featuring tender beans and a savory base of cream of mushroom soup, has become a family favorite for good reason. The crispy fried onions on top add the perfect crunch, elevating the flavor and texture.

You can even customize your casserole by adding ingredients like bacon or cheese, making it uniquely yours.

With a simple baking time of 30 minutes at 350°F, you'll achieve that golden-brown finish everyone loves.

Plus, its make-ahead convenience means you can easily reheat it for busy days, ensuring you always have a delicious side on hand.

Enjoy!

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