Easy Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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Are you searching for the perfect green bean casserole recipe for the holidays? Your search ends here! This classic recipe is a timeless favorite. It’s quick to make, taking just 10 minutes, and always tastes amazing.

This green bean casserole is a hit in many American homes. It’s the top Thanksgiving side dish, loved for its simple yet delicious taste. With a few affordable ingredients, you can make a meal everyone will love. It’s a tradition waiting to be started at your holiday table.

Key Takeaways

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Total cooking time: 50 minutes
• Serves 8 people
• Number 1 favorite Thanksgiving side dish
• Perfect for make-ahead meal planning
• Easily customizable recipe
• Low-calorie option with only 112 calories per serving

Why This Classic Green Bean Casserole Is a Must-Try Dish

The green bean casserole is a holiday icon in America. It was made in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at Campbell’s Test Kitchen. Now, it’s a favorite on many dinner tables.

This recipe is loved for its simple yet tasty ingredients. It’s a dish that keeps winning hearts and taste buds every year.

Traditional Holiday Favorite

Since 1955, Campbell’s green bean casserole has been a family favorite. Nostalgia meets deliciousness in this classic dish. It’s a tradition that brings families together.

• Invented by Dorcas Reilly at Campbell’s Test Kitchen
• Requires only five simple ingredients
• Represents a true American culinary tradition

Quick 5-Minute Prep Time

Busy cooks will love how fast this casserole is to make. It’s a side dish that looks like it took hours but only takes a few minutes.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – Leonardo da Vinci

Budget-Friendly Ingredients

This dish is easy on your wallet. It uses affordable ingredients like canned green beans and crispy fried onions. It’s perfect for big gatherings or family dinners.

Ingredient	Quantity
Green Beans	4 cups
Cream of Mushroom Soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Milk	¾ cup
Crispy Fried Onions	1½ cups

Whether you’re new to cooking or experienced, this green bean casserole will impress. Its history, quick prep, and affordable ingredients make it a beloved favorite.

Essential Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Making the perfect green bean casserole starts with choosing the right ingredients. Your classic recipe needs a few simple yet tasty parts. These come together to make a dish you’ll remember.

For an authentic French’s green bean casserole, you’ll need:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen green beans
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups French’s Crispy Fried Onions

When picking green beans, you have two main choices. Fresh beans give a crunchy texture and bright taste. Frozen beans are easy to use and still taste great. Pro tip: If using fresh beans, cut off the ends and chop them into small pieces for even cooking.

“The secret to an amazing green bean casserole is using fresh ingredients and the right balance of flavors.”

The Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is the creamy base that holds everything together. Soy sauce adds depth, and black pepper gives a slight kick. French’s Crispy Fried Onions make the crunchy topping everyone loves.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make an easy green bean casserole, you need the right tools. Whether you’re experienced or new, the right equipment makes cooking easier. Check out this fresh green bean casserole recipe for a smooth process.

For your recipe green bean casserole, gather essential kitchen tools. This makes cooking both efficient and fun.

Recommended Baking Dishes

The right baking dish is key for a great casserole. Here are some good options:

• 9×13 inch baking pan (recommended standard size)
• 2-quart ceramic or glass baking dish
• Oven-safe casserole dish with lid

Additional Cooking Utensils

For a tasty green bean casserole, you’ll need these utensils:

1. Large mixing bowls
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Whisk
4. Sharp chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Colander for draining green beans

Temperature Tools

Accurate temperature is vital for safe and perfect cooking. Get these tools:

• Reliable oven thermometer
• Instant-read digital meat thermometer
• Kitchen timer

With these tools, you’re set to make a delicious green bean casserole. It will surely impress your loved ones.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Starting with fresh green beans, making the perfect green bean casserole is easy. Your journey to a tasty classic green bean casserole begins with gathering your ingredients. Then, follow these simple steps.

First, prepare your ingredients for the best green beans casserole recipe:

• Wash and trim 2 pounds of fresh green beans
• Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes
• Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking
• Drain and pat the green beans dry

For a better green bean casserole recipe, follow these key preparation steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • Blanched green beans
   • Cream of mushroom soup
   • Half-and-half
   • Minced garlic
   • Salt and pepper
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish
4. Sprinkle half of the crispy onions on top
5. Bake for 30 minutes
6. Add remaining crispy onions
7. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown

Pro tip: For extra flavor, consider adding crispy bacon pieces or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese. This will elevate your green bean casserole to the next level.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Fried Onion Topping

The crispy onion topping is the star of any green bean casserole. Whether you use French’s crispy fried onions or make your own, getting that golden crunch is key. It makes your casserole go from good to great.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Options

French’s crispy fried onions are a classic choice for green bean casserole. They’re easy and always crunchy. But don’t shy away from homemade alternatives!

• Store-bought French’s onions: Quick and reliable
• Homemade crispy onions: Fresher, more customizable

To make homemade crispy onions, slice a white onion thin and soak it in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes. Then, dredge it in flour, paprika, and garlic powder. Fry in batches at 375°F for 2-3 minutes until golden.

Proper Storage Methods

Keep your crispy onions crunchy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. If using store-bought, seal the original packaging tightly. Homemade onions should be eaten within 2-3 days for the best crunch.

Reheating Guidelines

Reheating your green bean casserole can be tricky. To keep the onion topping crispy, cover the casserole with foil and reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add fresh crispy onions on top just before serving for the best crunch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

Planning ahead for your best green bean casserole recipe can save you time and stress during holiday meals. The green bean casserole recipe easy preparation allows for flexible make-ahead options. This keeps your dish fresh and delicious.

When preparing your recipe on green bean casserole in advance, you have several convenient storage methods:

• Refrigerate unbaked casserole up to 48 hours before cooking
• Store crispy onion topping separately until baking
• Keep prepared casserole in an airtight container

Freezing is another excellent option for make-ahead meal preparation. You can freeze the assembled casserole (without topping) for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Always thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Storage Method	Duration	Recommended Action
Refrigerator	Up to 4 days	Store in sealed container
Freezer	Up to 3 months	Freeze without crispy topping

When reheating, microwave individual portions for 45-60 seconds or warm the entire dish in the oven at 375°F for a few minutes. Remember to add the crispy onion topping just before serving to maintain its crunch.

Variations and Customization Ideas

Turning the classic green bean casserole into something new is exciting. You can use a Campbell’s recipe or add your own twist. This makes the dish even more special.

Trying out new flavors and ingredients can make your French’s recipe stand out. Let’s look at some tasty ways to customize it!

Cheese Addition Options

Adding cheese can take your green bean casserole to the next level. Here are some cheese options:

• Shredded cheddar cheese for a sharp flavor
• Creamy gruyère for a luxurious touch
• Parmesan for a nutty, savory boost
• Monterey Jack for a mild, melty texture

Mushroom Alternatives

Don’t like the usual cream of mushroom soup? Here are some alternatives:

• Fresh sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor
• Cream of celery soup for a lighter base
• Homemade white sauce with fresh herbs
• Roasted vegetable puree for added depth

Dietary Modifications

Making the classic green bean casserole fit your diet is simple:

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free crispy onions and flour alternatives
• Dairy-free: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk
• Low-carb: Replace crispy onions with crushed almonds

The best recipe is one that you love and fits your needs. Feel free to try new things and make this dish your own!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Your classic green bean casserole recipe is a great choice for holiday meals. It has about 188 calories, 8g of protein, and 25g of carbs. It also gives you Vitamin A (23% Daily Value) and Vitamin C (20% Daily Value).

This campbell soup green bean casserole recipe is low in fat, with only 7g per serving. It has 5g of dietary fiber, which is good for your digestive health. It’s a good mix of nutrients without too many calories.

The serving size is one cup, which is perfect for a balanced meal. It has only 10g of total sugars and little cholesterol. This makes it a nutritious side dish. Just remember to control your portions to keep it healthy.

If you’re watching your diet, this recipe is good for you. It gives you 14% of your daily calcium and 12% of your daily iron. It’s a tasty way to add veggies and nutrients to your meal, keeping a beloved holiday tradition alive.

FAQ

What makes this green bean casserole recipe so popular?

This classic green bean casserole is a favorite at holidays. It’s easy to make and tastes great. It’s quick to prepare and doesn’t cost much.

The dish has tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onions. It’s loved by many for its taste and simplicity.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen?

Yes, you can! Fresh green beans make the dish more vibrant and healthy. Just trim the ends and blanch them before adding.

This keeps them crisp and green. It also helps them cook well in the casserole.

How can I make this green bean casserole gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and crispy onions. Many brands offer gluten-free options.

You can also make your own crispy onions. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the onions before frying.

Can I prepare the green bean casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Assemble everything (except the onion topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge.

When ready to serve, add the onion topping and bake as directed. For best results, add the topping just before baking.

What are some ways to customize this green bean casserole?

You can make it your own in many ways. Add shredded cheddar cheese for creaminess. Try crispy bacon bits or sliced mushrooms for extra flavor.

Experiment with different toppings like crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs. Even crushed potato chips can add a unique twist.

How do I keep the crispy onion topping from getting soggy?

Add the onion topping in the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Covering the casserole with foil can help prevent burning.

Then, uncover it to crisp up the onions. Or, add fresh onions just before serving for maximum crunch.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole (without the onion topping) and wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. Add fresh onions just before serving.

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