Green bean casserole is a popular American side dish typically served during holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. The dish consists of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French-fried onions. Let’s see the tastiest green bean casserole recipe, variations in preparing a homemade mushroom soup and fresh green beans, and how long it takes to cook it in an oven and a crockpot (slow cooker).
Key Takeaways:
- Discover a mouthwatering creamy and cheesy green bean casserole recipe for oven and crockpot.
- Explore variations using canned or fresh ingredients from scratch.
- Prepare your homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup for your green bean casserole.
- Learn cooking tips to prevent a green casserole from getting soggy.
- Learn how to make a green bean casserole ahead of time.
- Explore options for storing this casserole and reheating leftovers.
- Explore topping variations for a crunchy twist.
If you like these ideas, you are in the right place! Continue reading my green bean casserole recipe.
Table of Contents
Green Bean Casserole Ingredients
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) of green beans, drained. On the other hand, for cooking a delicious casserole with fresh ingredients, use 0.5 lbs. fresh green beans, trimmed and sliced into pieces measuring 1-2 inches.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup (see below for a homemade substitute)
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (only if you like a cheesy casserole). Cheddar cheese is a good option.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce (replaces salt in the recipe and add flavor and color)
- 1 1/3 cups of French-fried onions
- Pepper to taste
The recipe should be enough to serve approximately 4 to 6 people as a side dish. If you need to serve more guests, you can easily scale up the quantities of ingredients accordingly.
How to Make The Best Green Bean Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, sliced mushrooms, and black pepper. Incorporate the drained green beans into the mixture and stir until they are thoroughly coated. This step will prevent your green bean casserole from getting soggy.
If you like a cheesy casserole, now is the time to incorporate the shredded cheese and mix.
Move the mixture of green beans into a casserole dish (suitable for the oven).
Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the French-fried onions on top.
Place the casserole back into the oven and bake for an extra 5 minutes or until the onions achieve a golden brown color.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving it warm. Enjoy!
This dish has become a classic comfort food and is known for its creamy texture and crispy onion topping. Continue reading for more ideas for topping and serving this casserole on the next section.
How Do You Keep Green Bean Casserole from Getting Soggy?
- Blanch the green beans properly
- Drain canned green beans well
- Don’t overcook the casserole
- Use homemade cream of mushroom soup (see the recipe below)
- Prevent condensation in slow cooker
- Add toppings just before serving
- Reheat with care
- Serve promptly
How Long to Cook Green Bean Casserole
The cooking time for green bean casserole can vary based on the method you’re using (oven, slow cooker) and the specific recipe. Here are general guidelines for different methods:
Oven-Baked Green Bean Casserole:
If you’re baking the green bean casserole in the oven, the typical cooking time is around 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This time allows the casserole to heat through and for the flavors to meld.
If you’re making the casserole ahead of time and it has been refrigerated, you may need to add a bit more baking time. It’s often recommended to bring the casserole closer to room temperature before baking.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole:
If you’re using a slow cooker, the cooking time is longer. Cook on the low setting for approximately 3 to 4 hours or until the green beans are tender. If you notice excessive condensation, you can prop open the slow cooker lid slightly using a wooden spoon or another heatproof item. This allows steam to escape and reduces the buildup of moisture. It’s an excellent way to prevent your green bean casserole from getting soggy.
Can You Make Green Bean Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can definitely make green bean casserole ahead of time, which can be especially helpful when you’re planning for a busy event or holiday meal. Here’s a general guide on how to make a green casserole ahead of time:
Prepare the Casserole Ingredients:
- Mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Combine the green beans with the soup mixture until they are well coated.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Move the green bean mixture into your casserole dish.
Refrigerate:
- Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it instead of baking it immediately.
Prepare Toppings Separately (if using):
- If you’re using French-fried onions, you may want to prepare them separately and add them just before baking to maintain their crispiness.
Baking:
- When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven.
- If you’ve kept the casserole in the refrigerator, you may need to add a bit more baking time. It’s generally recommended to bring the casserole closer to room temperature before baking.
Add Toppings (if using):
- If you’ve kept the French-fried onions separately, sprinkle them on top just before placing the casserole in the oven.
By preparing the green bean casserole ahead of time, you can save time on the day you plan to serve it, and it allows the flavors to meld together, potentially enhancing the overall taste.
Recipe Tips
- Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of milk for a lighter option.
- Add crispy bacon or ham to make it heartier
- Substitute french-fried onions for a crunchier topping
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives
How to Store a Green Bean Casserole
If you have leftover green bean casserole or if you want to prepare it in advance, proper storage is important to maintain its quality and safety. Here are some guidelines on how to store green bean casserole:
1. Refrigeration:
- Allow the green bean casserole to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Place any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate the casserole within 2 hours of cooking.
- Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
2. Freezing:
- If you want to freeze the green bean casserole, it’s best to do so before baking if possible. Assemble the casserole but omit any toppings (like French-fried onions).
- Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
- Always mark the container with the date and then proceed to freeze it.
- It can be stored in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and add the toppings before baking.
3. Reheating:
- To reheat refrigerated green bean casserole, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop.
- If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
4. Toppings:
- If your green bean casserole has crispy toppings like French-fried onions, consider adding them just before serving or reheating to maintain their crunch.
Always use your best judgment when assessing the freshness of leftovers, and discard anything that shows signs of spoilage. Additionally, note that the texture of the green beans and toppings may change slightly after refrigeration and reheating.
Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup for Your Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Making your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch can add a homemade touch to your green bean casserole. You can use this homemade cream of mushroom soup as a substitute for the canned soup in your green bean casserole recipe. Here’s a basic recipe:
Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make a Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
Sauté Vegetables:
- On medium heat, melt the butter in a large saucepan.
- Then, include the chopped onion and cook it until it turns translucent.
- Finally, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms become golden brown.
Make Roux:
Sprinkle the flour onto the mushroom mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine. Cook for a few minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Add Liquid:
- Whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth gradually, ensuring a smooth mixture without any lumps.
- Pour in the milk while continuously whisking, ensuring the mixture becomes smooth.
Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a simmer, stirring frequently. Let it simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes or until it achieves a thicker consistency.
Season:
- Season with salt and pepper according to your preferences.
Simply follow the rest of the green bean casserole instructions, incorporating your homemade cream of mushroom soup instead of the canned variety. This will add a fresh and rich flavor to your dish.
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Adapting a green bean casserole recipe for a slow cooker is easy and convenient. Here’s a basic recipe:
How to Make Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place the drained green beans in the slow cooker.
- Pour the soup mixture over the green beans, stirring to ensure the beans are well coated.
- Cook the green bean mixture on the low setting of your slow cooker for 4-5 hours or until the green beans are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the French-fried onions on top of the green bean mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker again and let it continue cooking until the onions are crispy.
- Once the green beans are tender and the onions are golden brown, the dish is ready to be served.
- Stir gently before serving, and you can also add additional French-fried onions on top if desired.
This slow cooker version allows you to prepare the green bean casserole with minimal effort, making it a great option for busy days or when you want to free up oven space.
Alternative Toppings When Serving
While French-fried onions are a classic and popular topping for green bean casserole, there are several alternative toppings you can use to add different flavors and textures. Here are some ideas:
- Toasted Almonds or Pecans: Toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the casserole.
- Crispy Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon provides a savory and smoky element to the dish.
- Parmesan or Cheddar Cheese: Grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese can be sprinkled on top for a cheesy and savory twist.
- Buttery Bread Crumbs: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and seasonings, then bake until golden brown. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
- Fried Shallots: Thinly sliced shallots can be fried until crispy and used as an alternative to French-fried onions.
- Herb-infused Bread Crumbs: Mix breadcrumbs with chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary) and a bit of melted butter for a flavorful topping.
- Diced Tomatoes and Bread Crumbs: Combine diced fresh tomatoes with seasoned breadcrumbs for a lighter topping with a burst of freshness.
- Fried Garlic: Slice garlic thinly and fry until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle these crispy garlic chips over the casserole.
Do you need a Holiday dessert? Head out to My Best Pecan Pie Recipes and how to make a crunchy peanut brittle.
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