Green bean casserole is a classic American side dish loved at holiday dinners and family gatherings. It’s a creamy, crunchy mix of tender green beans, savory mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions on top. This comforting dish first appeared in the 1950s and quickly became a staple on dinner tables, especially during Thanksgiving. Its simple ingredients come together to create a rich flavor that complements turkey, ham, or any main course perfectly. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this green bean casserole recipe is easy to make and sure to please your guests.
Quick Facts
| Course | Cuisine | Difficulty | Servings | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side Dish | American | Easy | 6-8 | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 180 kcal |
Equipment Needed
To make a perfect green bean casserole, gather these kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowl: For combining the green beans and sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
- Casserole dish (9×13 inches): Ideal size to bake and serve the dish.
- Saucepan: To prepare the mushroom sauce if making from scratch.
- Colander: For draining green beans.
- Spatula or spoon: To mix ingredients evenly.
- Oven: For baking the casserole to golden perfection.
- Knife and cutting board: If using fresh green beans or slicing mushrooms.
- Frying pan (optional): To make crispy fried onions at home if desired.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for a classic green bean casserole:
- 4 cups green beans (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional for extra flavor:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare green beans: If using fresh, trim and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
- Mix sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add green beans and half the fried onions to the sauce. Stir gently until coated.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly on top. Bake for another 5 minutes or until onions are golden brown.
Essential Note: For the best flavor, use fresh green beans and homemade fried onions if possible. Avoid overcooking beans to keep their crunch. Stir the mixture gently to prevent breaking the beans.
