Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green bean casserole recipe is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Imagine tender green beans enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce made from rich vegetable broth and velvety sour cream, all topped with crispy, golden breadcrumbs. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a heartwarming side that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to impress your loved ones!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pot For blanching green beans.
- 1 Medium saucepan For making the creamy sauce.
- 1 baking dish For baking the casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Green beans Fresh or frozen.
- 1 can Cream of mushroom soup Use vegetarian version for meat-free.
- 1 cup Milk Dairy or non-dairy alternative.
Toppings
- 1 cup French fried onions Look for gluten-free options if needed.
- 2 tablespoons Butter For making the sauce.
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour For thickening the sauce.
- 1 cup Vegetable broth For the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder Enhances flavor.
- to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
- to taste Black pepper Provides heat.
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese Optional, use dairy-free if desired.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans – Wash and trim 1 pound of fresh green beans. You can also use frozen green beans if you prefer!
- Step 3: Blanch the Green Beans – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside.
- Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce – In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Add the Broth and Milk – Slowly whisk in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of milk (or a non-dairy alternative) until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Season the Sauce – Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well!
- Step 7: Combine Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans and creamy sauce. Stir until the beans are well coated.
- Step 8: Add the Topping – Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with 1 cup of crispy fried onions for that perfect crunch!
- Step 9: Bake – Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 10: Serve and Enjoy – Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then dig in! Enjoy your comforting green bean casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- It’s a classic comfort dish that warms the heart.
- Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Perfect for family gatherings and holiday feasts.
- Can be customized with your favorite toppings.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Side Dish |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 6-8 |
| Best Served: | Warm |
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Green beans – Fresh or frozen, they provide the main flavor and texture.
- Cream of mushroom soup – Acts as a creamy base; use a vegetarian version for a meat-free dish.
- Milk – Adds creaminess; you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- French fried onions – Adds a crunchy topping; look for gluten-free options if needed.
- Garlic powder – Enhances flavor; fresh garlic can also be used for a stronger taste.
- Black pepper – Provides a bit of heat; adjust to your taste preference.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning; use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
- Cheddar cheese – Optional, for added richness; choose a dairy-free cheese if desired.
How to Make the Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delicious green bean casserole that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans
Wash and trim 1 pound of fresh green beans. You can also use frozen green beans if you prefer!
Step 3: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-5 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
Step 5: Add the Broth and Milk
Slowly whisk in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of milk (or a non-dairy alternative) until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Season the Sauce
Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well!
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans and creamy sauce. Stir until the beans are well coated.
Step 8: Add the Topping
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with 1 cup of crispy fried onions for that perfect crunch!
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then dig in! Enjoy your comforting green bean casserole!
Pro Tips for Making the Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Use fresh green beans for a crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of your dish.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Top with homemade crispy onions for a delightful crunch.
- Make it ahead of time and bake just before serving for easy entertaining.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Here are some fun and delicious ways to enjoy your green bean casserole:
- Serve it hot as a side dish at family gatherings.
- Pair it with roasted chicken or turkey for a classic meal.
- Top it with crispy fried onions for an extra crunch.
- Mix in some sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
- Serve it alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting combo.
- Use it as a filling for a savory pot pie.
- Enjoy it with a fresh garden salad for a balanced plate.
- Try it with a side of cornbread for a Southern twist.
- Make mini portions in ramekins for individual servings at parties.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures your green bean casserole stays delicious for future meals.
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• Portion the casserole into smaller servings for easy thawing.
• Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Add a splash of vegetable broth for moisture if needed.
• For a crispy topping, broil for a few minutes at the end.
For More Recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest
FAQs
Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This makes it super convenient for busy days!
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a different base, you can use a homemade cream sauce or substitute with cream of celery soup. Both options will give you that creamy texture without the mushrooms. Just make sure to season it well for the best flavor!
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh green beans are a great choice! Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, making your dish even more delicious!
How can I make my casserole crispy on top?
For that perfect crispy topping, use a combination of fried onions and breadcrumbs. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. Just make sure to add the topping during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to keep it from burning!