Green Bean Casserole Recipe | Delicious Holiday Side
When planning your holiday menu, think about adding a classic green bean casserole. It’s a favorite at family gatherings because it’s easy to make and tastes great. You can have it ready in just 50 minutes.
A traditional green bean casserole has green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. This mix is loved by many. It has a 5-star rating from 2074 votes, proving it’s a hit. It’s perfect for a holiday side dish or a new recipe to try.
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What Makes Green Bean Casserole a Holiday Essential
As the holiday season approaches, you might ask why green bean casserole is so popular. It’s because of its rich history and simplicity. Invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, it’s a beloved dish, with 30 million homes serving it during Thanksgiving.
The classic recipe combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It’s a benchmark for many variations, with over 30 different recipes online. Whether you want a simple or elaborate version, there’s one for you.
Some recipes use blanched green beans for crunch or add mushrooms and garlic for flavor. The secret to a great casserole is balancing ingredients and cooking time. With practice, you can make a delicious, easy green bean casserole for your holiday table.
Here are some interesting facts about green bean casserole:
- It’s been 60 years since the dish was first invented.
- Green Bean Casserole accounts for 70% of traffic on Campbell’s consumer website.
- An estimated half a million online hits for classic Green Bean Casserole recipes are expected during the Thanksgiving week.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Green Bean Casserole Recipe
To make a delicious traditional green bean casserole, you’ll need the right ingredients. High-quality components are key for a creamy green bean casserole. You’ll need green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
For the best results, use 3 cans of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and 3 cans of cut green beans. Other important ingredients include 1/2 cup of milk and 2 containers of French’s Crispy Fried Onions. Basic pantry staples are also needed.
When picking your ingredients, focus on quality and quantity. This affects the flavor and texture of your dish. A traditional green bean casserole combines these ingredients, baked until golden brown and crispy.
Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients you’ll need for a classic creamy green bean casserole:
- 3 cans of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz each)
- 3 cans of cut green beans (15.5 oz each), drained
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 containers of French’s Crispy Fried Onions (6 oz each)
Using these essential ingredients, you can make a delicious and creamy green bean casserole. Choose the best quality ingredients you can find. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipe. With practice, you’ll be making a traditional green bean casserole like a pro!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup | 3 cans (10.5 oz each) |
| Cut green beans | 3 cans (15.5 oz each), drained |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| French’s Crispy Fried Onions | 2 containers (6 oz each) |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make a tasty green bean casserole, you need the right tools. Having these essentials will help a lot. Start by getting a large skillet, a saucepan, and a baking dish.
For a green bean casserole, use an 8 x 8 inch dish. It’s perfect for a side dish for groups. You might also use a food processor or a stand mixer for extra steps.
- A large skillet for sautéing green beans and onions
- A saucepan for making the cream sauce
- A baking dish for assembling and baking the casserole
- A food processor or stand mixer for advanced preparation tasks
With these tools, you’ll make a delicious green bean casserole. It will impress your family and friends. Choose the right utensils and equipment for the best results.
Preparing Your Fresh Green Beans
To make a delicious homemade green bean casserole, start with fresh green beans. You’ll need about 2 pounds for this recipe. Choose green beans that are bright green, crisp, and without blemishes.
Prepare your green beans by boiling or steaming them until tender. To boil, fill a large pot with water and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a boil, then add your green beans and cook for 5 minutes. For steaming, place your green beans in a steamer basket and steam for 5-7 minutes.
After cooking, quickly put your green beans in an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps their color and texture. Your green beans are now ready for your classic green bean casserole. You can also blanch and refrigerate or freeze them for later.
By following these steps, your homemade green bean casserole will be delicious and flavorful. Handle your green beans gently to avoid bruising. Cook them until they’re tender but still crisp. With these tips, you’ll make a classic green bean casserole that everyone will enjoy.
Creating the Signature Cream Sauce
To make a delicious creamy green bean casserole, you need a rich sauce. This sauce is key to the best green bean casserole. It’s made from whole milk, heavy cream, and a roux of butter and flour.
For a great cream sauce, cook the roux slowly and stir constantly. This prevents lumps. Add the milk and cream slowly, whisking to keep it smooth. Seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg adds depth and warmth.
Making the Base
To start the sauce, melt 12 Tbsp of unsalted butter in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This makes a smooth roux base.
Seasoning Tips
Season the sauce to taste with herbs and spices. Try garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Nutmeg or paprika can add a warm, aromatic flavor.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
Cook the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should take 10-15 minutes. Once thick, remove from heat and let cool.
Here’s a quick summary of the cream sauce ingredients and cooking times:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 12 Tbsp | 2-3 minutes |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup | 1-2 minutes |
| Whole milk | 6 cups | 10-15 minutes |
| Heavy cream | 3 cups | 10-15 minutes |
Assembly and Baking Instructions
To start, layer green beans, mushrooms, and cream sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Leave some space at the top for the fried onions. You can use a thanksgiving green bean casserole recipe as a guide, but feel free to add your own twist.
Next, sprinkle fried onions evenly over the top. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when baking the casserole:
* Use a medium red onion for frying, and marinate it in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes.
* Blanch the green beans for 5-6 minutes to preserve their color and texture.
* Don’t overmix the cream sauce, as it can become too thick and sticky.
* If you want to make the casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
By following these assembly and baking instructions, you’ll be able to create a delicious and easy green bean casserole. It’s perfect for thanksgiving green bean casserole or any other occasion. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your family and friends!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Preparing a traditional green bean casserole ahead of time can save you time and effort. You can make this delicious dish up to 2 days before your holiday meal. Just assemble the casserole without baking it, then refrigerate or freeze it until serving time.
Here are some tips for preparing and storing your green bean casserole:
Preparing in Advance
- Prepare the casserole up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it.
- Freeze the casserole for up to 3 months, but be sure to thaw and reheat it properly.
- Consider preparing the creamy mushroom sauce and green beans separately and assembling the casserole just before baking.
Proper Storage Methods
To store your green bean casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If freezing, label the casserole with the date and contents. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat your green bean casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). If refrigerated, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake for 40-45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
By following these make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy a delicious and stress-free traditional green bean casserole at your next holiday gathering.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Reheating Time | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 minutes | 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 10-12 people |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When making a green bean casserole recipe, you might face some common problems. One big issue is overcooking the green beans. This makes them mushy and not tasty. To solve this, cook the green beans until they’re tender but still crisp.
Another problem is when the casserole isn’t creamy. This could be because of the wrong cream or not enough of it. To fix this, use a high-quality cream and adjust the amount as needed in your homemade green bean casserole recipe.
Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
- Overcooking the green beans: cook until tender but still crisp
- Casserole not turning out creamy: use high-quality cream and adjust the amount
By following these tips, your green bean casserole recipe will be perfect. It will impress your family and friends. Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust the recipe to your liking.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Holiday Green Bean Casserole
With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, you can easily master the classic green bean casserole recipe. It will become a staple for your holiday meals. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll create a delicious and best green bean casserole. It will impress your family and friends.
The classic green bean casserole has been a favorite for decades at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s simple yet flavorful. This dish is affordable, appeals to many, and can be made ahead. It’s a convenient addition to your holiday spread.
Remember to use high-quality ingredients and follow proper preparation techniques. Also, aim for the right balance of flavors. With practice, you’ll consistently make a delicious green bean casserole. It will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
