Classic Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving

Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, a dish that evokes nostalgia and comfort with every creamy, crunchy bite. This classic recipe, featuring tender green beans, a luscious mushroom sauce, and that iconic crispy fried onion topping, is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and always a hit.

Why Green Bean Casserole is a Thanksgiving Must-Have

The appeal of green bean casserole lies in its simplicity and comforting flavors. It’s a dish that combines fresh or frozen green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. Topped with crispy fried onions, it adds a savory crunch that elevates the entire experience. The dish’s ease of preparation also makes it a favorite among busy holiday cooks. It can be made ahead of time, freeing up valuable oven space on Thanksgiving Day. Furthermore, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with other Thanksgiving classics like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.

The history of green bean casserole is rooted in convenience and affordability. Dorcas Reilly, a Campbell Soup Company employee, created the original recipe in 1955 as a way to showcase the versatility of cream of mushroom soup. The recipe quickly gained popularity, appearing in cookbooks, newspapers, and advertisements across the country. Its widespread appeal made it a standard at potlucks and family gatherings.

Today, green bean casserole remains a beloved Thanksgiving tradition. While variations abound, the core elements—green beans, mushroom sauce, and fried onions—remain constant. It’s a dish that brings people together, fostering a sense of warmth and shared experience.

The Perfect Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This recipe delivers the classic green bean casserole flavor that everyone loves, with a few tips and tricks for achieving the best possible results.

Ingredients:

• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained (or 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched)
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 1/3 cups canned fried onions, divided

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. Canned green beans should simply be drained thoroughly.

2. Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and soy sauce. Stir until well combined.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained green beans to the soup mixture and stir gently to coat evenly.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a 1.5-quart baking dish.

5. Add Fried Onions: Sprinkle 2/3 cup of the fried onions evenly over the top of the green bean mixture.

6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.

7. Top with Remaining Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of fried onions over the top.

8. Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.

9. Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth.

Tips and Tricks for a Superior Casserole

To elevate your green bean casserole, consider these helpful tips:

• Fresh vs. Canned Beans: While canned green beans are convenient, using fresh or frozen green beans can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole. Blanching fresh beans before adding them to the dish ensures they are tender-crisp.
• Upgrade the Mushroom Soup: Enhance the mushroom flavor by sautéing sliced mushrooms with garlic and shallots before adding them to the condensed soup. This adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Homemade Fried Onions: While canned fried onions are a classic, homemade fried onions are a game-changer. Thinly slice onions, toss them in flour, and deep-fry them until golden brown and crispy. This will take your casserole to the next level.
• Add Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere cheese before baking adds a delicious cheesy element to the casserole.
• Crispy Topping Alternatives: For a twist on the classic fried onion topping, consider using crushed potato chips, toasted breadcrumbs, or a combination of both.
• Make Ahead: Green bean casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the fried onion topping just before baking to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
• Use Different Beans: Try using haricot vert or yellow wax beans for a different flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the fried onion topping for added crunch and flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the casserole. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the fried onions are golden brown.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

The basic green bean casserole recipe is a blank canvas for creativity. Here are some exciting variations to try:

• Garlic Green Bean Casserole: Add minced garlic to the sauce for a pungent and flavorful twist.
• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Incorporate shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese into the casserole for a rich and cheesy flavor.
• Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the casserole for a smoky and savory flavor.
• Spicy Green Bean Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Mushroom Lover’s Green Bean Casserole: Use a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, to create a more complex and flavorful sauce.
• Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole: Stir in a block of softened cream cheese to make it extra creamy and rich.
• Healthier Green Bean Casserole: Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, skim milk, and bake with a lighter topping like panko breadcrumbs. You can also increase the amount of green beans to cut down on the sauce-to-bean ratio.
• Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Use a vegan cream of mushroom soup substitute (easily made with cashews and vegetable broth), plant-based milk, and top with vegan fried onions or a homemade vegan crispy topping.
• Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole: Ensure the cream of mushroom soup and fried onions are gluten-free. Many brands now offer gluten-free versions of these products.
• Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole: Combine all ingredients (except the fried onions) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then top with fried onions during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the fried onion topping just before baking to prevent it from becoming soggy.

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, fresh green beans are a great alternative to canned. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and add them to the casserole.

• How do I prevent the fried onions from burning?

To prevent the fried onions from burning, add them during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. You can also tent the casserole with aluminum foil if the onions are browning too quickly.

• Can I freeze green bean casserole?

It’s not recommended to freeze green bean casserole after it has been baked, as the texture of the sauce and green beans may change. However, you can assemble the casserole without the fried onions, freeze it, and then add the onions and bake it when ready to serve.

• What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can make a homemade cream sauce using mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter, add flour to create a roux, then slowly whisk in milk until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and other desired spices.

• How do I make my green bean casserole healthier?

Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, skim milk, and a lighter topping like panko breadcrumbs. You can also increase the amount of green beans to cut down on the sauce-to-bean ratio.

• What if I don’t have fried onions?

You can use crushed potato chips, toasted breadcrumbs, or a combination of both as a topping. You can also make your own fried onions by thinly slicing onions, tossing them in flour, and deep-frying them until golden brown and crispy.